Sorry if this isnt the right place for this post.

My wife and i are headed back to South Africa in May 2009. I have access to a lot of school supplies from my company and we wanted to take them over. before i contact sci has anyone ever taken one over ? comments , concerns , clearing customs etc ?
By the way if anyone is going over and wants some supplies to take let me know . i probably got 4-5 bags worth laying around.

Ej,
30ott6 and I took a blue bag to Zambia in 2006. It was filled with medical, dental and school supplies. It was a piece of cake to take it there, well received and our wives loved handing it over.

The only issue we had was that some of the donated medical supplies given to us and in return to the local clinic, were expired. That pissed off the head of the regional clinics.

I don't know anything about this personally, but my better half who does voluntary surgical tours to various African destinations from time to time, tells me it's technically illegal in most African countries nowadays to donate any date expired drugs or equipment etc. As far as I'm concerned, this policy is bloody silly, esp as the equipment these people have are even more out of date than the stuff you want to donate....... nevertheless, caution is advised.

Also, the blue bag will count as one of your checked bags as I recall. SBT, correct me if I'm wrong.
Regarding expiration dates: these dates were mandated due to the suit happy U.S. public. For years and years we Americans took drugs without any expiration dates and they worked just fine. I'll guarantee you that the drugs we took last year will work just fine too!

John

I have taken Blue Bags with me twice to South Africa. Both times I told the airlines on check in what was in the bag and who it was for, they let it go with no added weight charges. It was one of our checked bags. On the upside you can pack it full of carvings and rugs to bring home!

It's amazing how easy it's for us help and even save a life. Technically illegal -Morally Right. Expiration dates meaningless to a sick and or dieing person with no other options.
That you SCI!

Absolutely right. The Bugando Hospital in Mwanza has to rely on voluntary surgeons who have to bring their own equipment. The hospital has has no running water, and has to recycle swabs by boiling them and then reuse them over and over again........ Usually the only anaesthetic they have available is ether - and yet, one is not allowed to donate date expired drugs and equipment.

Ej,

pm sent. Good on you.

Acer