Why Support Talibé Children?

In Senegal, there are over 100,000 Talibé children living in daaras across the country, facing dire circumstances as they navigate life without parental care or support. These children are often orphaned, abandoned, or entrusted to the care of Quranic teachers by the government or families who are unable to provide for them. Despite their vulnerability, little has been done by the government to intervene and safeguard these children. Human Rights Watch has documented serious abuses against Talibé children since 2009, including neglect, endangerment, and economic exploitation through forced begging.

Many Talibé children spend long hours on the streets begging, putting them at risk for car accidents and assault. Additionally, many daaras lack access to resources including clean water, food, and healthcare, resulting in malnutrition and sometimes leading to fatalities. The lack of child protection services further exacerbates the situation, contributing to the high numbers of children on the streets and subject to ongoing abuses in daaras.

Child protection services in Senegal are critically under-resourced and often overwhelmed by Talibé runaways or abuse victims. There are no special police units for child protection outside of the country's capital, Dakar and Departmental Child Protection remains limited.

At Mathurin Children's non-profit organization, our goal is to support and uplift these children by providing them with the an environment to thrive. We recognize that while many men claiming to be "Quranic teachers" are looking for opportunities to exploit children and engage in unethical practices, other Quranic Teachers have dedicated their lives to volunteer and protect Talibé children in daaras, yet remain underfunded. By collaborating with these ethical daaras, we work to address the root causes of vulnerability and provide sustainable solutions that empower Talibé children to build a brighter future.

Together, with your support, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these vulnerable children and create a world where every child in Senegal has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.