The talibé children of Senegal

Their story

Talibés are children who are sent, often at a very youn age, to Quranic schools called “daaras.” The word “talibé”, of Arabic origin, means “student” or “seeker of knowledge.” Originally, these schools aimed to provide religious and moral education within a structured learning environment.

In some daaras, children are well supervised, enjoy a stable environment, and receive good teaching. However, in others, due to a lack of resources or oversight, thousands of children live in extremely precarious conditions, far from their families. Some leaders force children to spend long hours begging, while others do not provide proper care, education, or safety.

This complex situation calls for increased vigilance and decisive action to protect these vulnerable children.

The origin of the talibé children

Traditionally, children would be sent to these religious schools in order to learn the Quran under the tutelage of a respected marabout. This long-standing tradition dating back several centuries is based in a legitimate desire to provide religious knowledge and discipline to children. That said, over time this practice has been abused most notably in urban areas where numerous talibé children are exploited and forced to beg on the street.

The origin of the talibé children

Traditionally, children would be sent to these religious schools in order to learn the Quran under the tutelage of a respected marabout. This long-standing tradition dating back several centuries is based in a legitimate desire to provide religious knowledge and discipline to children. That said, over time this practice has been abused most notably in urban areas where numerous talibé children are exploited and forced to beg on the street.

The Challenges They Face

Today, these children are often separated from their families at a very young age and live in “daaras" where conditions are extremely difficult. Forced to beg on a daily basis to support their marabout, they spend most of the time on the streets where they are vulnerable to violence and abuse. As such, far from receiving a complete education, many of talibé children know only poverty and maltreatment.

The hygiene where talibé children live are often deplorable. The daaras lack resources to provide adequate healthcare or nutritious meals. Malnourished and ill, these children are also deprived of formal education that could help them break free from the cycle of poverty.

The Numbers

  • More than 100,000 talibé children live on the streets of Senegal, deprived of their fundamental rights to education, protection, and a safe childhood.
  • 80% of these children are forced to beg in the streets and, in the majority of the cases, give their takings to their marabouts.
  • Most of these children are between 5 and 15 years old, but some are as young as 4 years old.

The Government’s Stance

The talibé children’s plight has attracted serious concern in Senegal and abroad. Various child rights organisations, both local and international, have condemned these practices, deeming them a violation of fundamental human rights. The Senegalese government, under pressure from civil society and international institutions, has taken steps to regulate these daaras and protect the talibé children, but results on the ground are often limited due to cultural norms and difficulties enforcing laws.

In summary, the talibé children of Senegal exist as a result of an ancient practice of religious education which, although historically respected, has transformed into a problematic situation in many cases, raising questions about child exploitation and their right to a decent education and a protected childhood.

Given the above, it is self-evident that urgent action is required. Together, we can help the talibé children break out of this cycle of exploitation and allow them hope for a better life. See below for how you can support us and make a difference in the lives of these children.

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