Al-Baqara 2:43

Talibes are everywhere in Senegal. The word literally means “student” in Wolof language, but the term actually refers to the thousands of Koranic students between 4 and 16 years old begging for money or food in the streets of Senegal, forced to do so by their Koranic teacher, the marabout. The ideological base is the zakat, the Islamic concept of charity, but the reality is very often the personal financial gain of the marabout, and the exploitation of the kids.

"And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow"
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43

“Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [ Allah 's blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.”
Surah At-Tawba 9:103

Talibes are everywhere in Senegal. The word literally means “student” in Wolof language, but the term actually refers to the thousands of Koranic students between 4 and 16 years old begging for money or food in the streets of Senegal, forced to do so by their Koranic teacher, the marabout. The ideological base is the zakat, the Islamic concept of charity, but the reality is very often the personal financial gain of the marabout, and the exploitation of the kids.

In a 2017 report, Human Rights Watch estimated more than 50,000 talibes begging in Senegal. The Koranic schools they live in, the daaras, are very often overpopulated, and in extremely poor sanitary conditions. Moreover, the children are frequently subject to any form of physical and psychological violence by their marabouts. This happens when they do not return with the amount of money or food requested by the marabout.

Many of these kids try to escape these schools, ending up on the streets, being often too scared to go back to their parents.

The Senegalese law forbids using children for begging, but it is widely socially accepted, being seen as a normal part of a child's Islamic education.
Indeed, the police and the government have made a poor committed to actions against the phenomenon, and marabouts have a huge influence on the country's political life.

Some local NGOs, together with other international organisations, try to help these children by providing basic services such as education, sports classes, emergency treatments and, when needed, also legal aid. But it also very clear that without a clear governmental official stance, the exploitation of Koranic students will remain a fact of life in Senegal.