Who are the Talibes in Senegal?

“Talibes” are from poor rural families who cannot take care of their children (exclusively boys). These families resort to sending their boys at an early age (4 or 5 years of age) to the cities so they can learn the Koran from a Koranic teacher (Marabout).

The Marabout’s duty is generally to raise and teach the child. Many of the Marabouts cannot financially support their families. As a result, the “Talibes” are used by the Marabout for economic gain. The Marabout often sends his students into the streets to beg both for food to feed themselves and for money to support the teacher. Sadly, the Talibes spend most of their journey in the street and a little time studying.

The “Talibes” reside in challenging living conditions where they can be exposed to all kinds of abuse, malnutrition and infectious diseases.In many cases the “Talibes” are forced to share a single room with many other students. The youngest students can be subjected to physical, sexual and emotional abuse from their older peers. Sexual abuse can lead to increased risk of STI and HIV exposure and infection.

The “Talibes” rely on the generosity of others to provide all of their nutrition. Begging door to door rarely results in a well-balanced meal as most people provide the “Talibes” only with small food items that are available. This lack of regular nourishment leads to many of the “Talibes” suffering from malnutrition.Diseases represent a real danger to the “Talibes” and the general public.

Many infectious disease outbreaks in the general population stem from infected “Talibes”.Diseases represent a real danger to the “Talibes” and the general public. Due to a lack of immunization, a lack of access to health care services, and appalling living conditions,infected “Talibes” can easily transmit many diseases, including certain dermatological diseases, cholera, measles, conjunctivitis, tuberculosis, and malaria, to the general population. Many infectious disease outbreaks in the general population stem from infected “Talibes”.

By the next coming year, we hope to be able to reach 50% of the “Talibes” living in Mbour including other regions and areas of Senegal and provide free healthcare (immunization, etc). Our goal is to give this population the opportunity for access to healthcare and reduce not only trafficking and exploitation, but most drastically thier health, mortality, and morbidity.