THE ALMAJIRI CHILD RIGHTS INITIATIVE:

BREAKING CHAINS, BUILDING FUTURES

By Bem Abubaker

The Almajiri Child Rights Initiative (ACRI) is a driving force in Nigeria’s diverse cultural landscape, advocating tirelessly for the often forgotten heroes - the Almajiri children. As part of society’s traditions, predominantly in Northern Nigeria, these children are popularly called ‘Almajiri’ – hailing from poor homes usually sent to Islamic boarding schools for some form of religious indoctrination. Formal education remains a far cry for thousands of these children. Led by the dedicated Mohammed Sabo Keana, ACRI exhibits unwavering resolve and determination in dismantling barriers that hinder the potential of these marginalized children.

The organisation’s unwavering vision encompasses a society that embraces and empowers every Almajiri child, enabling their dreams to flourish amidst the rich landscapes of Nigeria. ACRI's mission is all-encompassing, seeking to not only educate but also address the wide-ranging challenges confronted by Almajiri children. ACRI firmly believes that education holds the key to a brighter future and therefore staunchly advocates for the rights of these children to receive a high-quality education, devoid of any form of discrimination or bias.

However, ACRI's endeavors extend beyond education. Recognizing the influential role of socio-economic factors in perpetuating the cycle of poverty among Almajiri children, ACRI actively works towards tackling these issues. By advocating for policy changes, ACRI works to ensure that these children have access to healthcare, and advocates for policies that emphasize the education and social integration of Almajiri children. The ultimate goal is to provide these children with the opportunity for a better life, devoid of poverty and maltreatment. In a broader context, ACRI aspires to create a world where education, protection, and social inclusion are readily available, illuminating the future for countless families and lifting them out of the clutches of poverty.

Dissecting The Almajiri System To Acrl Answering The Call To Impact

In the expansive and culturally rich region of northern Nigeria, a long-standing institution known as the Almajiri system has taken a disconcerting path. What was once a revered tradition of providing Islamic education to young individuals has undergone a distressing transformation, becoming a breeding ground for poverty, exploitation, and unimaginable hardship. The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has estimated a staggering presence of 10.5 million Almajiri children within the country, revealing a somber reality. However, a ray of hope emerges in the form of the Almajiri Child Rights Initiative (ACRI), an organization steadfastly dedicated to breaking the cycle of destitution and abuse.

The ACRI directs its attention towards three key areas in addressing the systemic problems inherent in the Almajiri system. Its primary objective revolves around eradicating the distressing destitution and mistreatment that afflicts these vulnerable children. It is a fundamental belief that no child should be subjected to a life marred by poverty and hardship, and thus, the ACRI endeavors to offer them the essential elements of compassion, nurturing, and assistance they desperately require. In addition, the organization acknowledges the critical significance of guaranteeing unhindered access to superior education and fundamental healthcare services for each Almajiri child.

ACRI commenced in 2015 and received its official non-profit status in 2018. Its methodology revolves around four pivotal spheres: policy advocacy, raising public awareness, engaging strategically with communities, and effectively mobilizing and distributing resources. ACRI's ultimate objective is to address the difficulties encountered by Almajiri children through collaborations with local and international organizations.

Prominent backers of ACRI include LEAP Africa, Polish Aid, UNICEF, Street Child UK, the MacArthur Foundation, and Irish Aid. ACRI faces numerous obstacles and challenges in its pursuit of enhancing the well-being of Almajiri children. These hurdles include opposition from mallams, who are religious leaders, and apprehensive parents who are resistant to change. Nevertheless, ACRI persists with determination to overcome these barriers and create opportunities for a more promising future for these disadvantaged children.

STRATEGIES PROMOTING SUSTAINED IMPACT.

ACRI utilizes a multi-faceted strategy to address the resistance encountered from mallams and parents. This approach encompasses widespread awareness campaigns, drives to sensitize the community, and active engagement with various stakeholders. The primary objective of these initiatives is to educate and enlighten religious leaders and parents regarding the crucial significance of offering comprehensive education and support to Almajiri children.

ACRI duly acknowledges the necessity to foster understanding and collaboration among all involved parties. By actively involving mallams, ACRI endeavors to bridge the gap between traditional religious practices and modern educational opportunities. The initiative strongly emphasizes the idea that education can harmoniously coexist with religious teachings, without posing a threat to traditional values. Through effective dialogue and open communication, ACRI strives to dispel prevalent myths and misconceptions surrounding formal education, ultimately earning the trust and support of mallams.

ACRI places great emphasis on education as the cornerstone of its efforts. To combat the vulnerabilities faced by Almajiri children and foster sustainable educational outcomes, ACRI has introduced the Community Learning Almajiri School System (CLASS). This innovative community-driven educational initiative tackles the underlying issues associated with the Almajiri practice by providing livelihood support initiatives for parents, enhancing school accessibility, and promoting a shift in social norms.

Moreover, ACRI has also implemented the AlmaLearn program, a recent addition to their educational endeavors. This program is specifically designed to equip Almajiri children with essential skills such as basic literacy, numeracy, and life skills, effectively preparing them for formal education. Recognizing that health is a fundamental human right, ACRI ensures that Almajiri children have equal access to healthcare services. Through the AlmaCare initiative, ACRI actively promotes community health, social inclusion, and interventions related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). This initiative facilitates connections between Almajiri children and healthcare providers and pharmacies, prioritizing their basic health needs. In summary, ACRI's comprehensive approach revolves around education at its core, with the introduction of the CLASS and AlmaLearn programs. Additionally, ACRI recognizes the importance of healthcare and actively works towards ensuring that Almajiri children receive equal access to necessary medical services through the AlmaCare initiative.

ACRI acknowledges the importance of sustainable prospects that go beyond education. To fulfill this objective, the organization provides vocational skills programs to empower Almajiri children with practical abilities. These initiatives aim to prevent them from falling into exploitative and detrimental circumstances, ensuring they have the opportunity for a more promising future. ACRI envisions a future Nigeria where the Almajiri system undergoes substantial transformation, granting these children access to high-quality education and equal opportunities. This transformation is supported by the CLASS initiative and programs focused on protection, education, and social inclusion, which serve as the foundation for this vision.

ACRI strives to decrease the number of children who are homeless, enhance community capabilities, and encourage civic involvement. This vision surpasses obstacles, fueled by a collective commitment to rewriting the narratives of Almajiri children, providing them with hope, education, and a brighter tomorrow.