UN International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Yobe Government and Almajiri Child Rights Initiative (ACRI), have called for adequate investment in Almajiri education to enable them realise their full potential.
The organisations made the call at a three-day roundtable which started from May 27 to 29 in Abuja.
The event jointly organised by the three bodies has the theme: “Achieving Durable Solutions and Sustainable Impact for Protecting Vulnerable Street and Migrant Children in Nigeria”.
The event also featured workshop session on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Trafficking in Persons (TiP) to commemorate the International Day for the Almajiri child.
The IOM Chief of Mission, Laurent De Boeck said the organisation would uphold the principles of on-discrimination, best interest of the child, right to life and safeguarding their dignity.
He explained that the roundtable will foster dialogue among key stakeholders and promote response to child trafficking, and strengthen partnerships on ways to ensure child protection.
This, according to him, will ensure that every Almajiris realise their full potential and live a life of dignity and opportunity, saying I will like to celebrate with you the International Day of the Child.
“I believe that all of us are children to someone and also as parent the concern gives us the value of childhood and the right that every child in the world should have access to.
“It is the reason I am happy to be with you to celebrate and ensure the children across the world, particularly in Nigeria have the rights they truly deserve.
“It is particularly interesting to discuss what can be gained in the protection of vulnerable children on the streets of Nigeria,’’ he said.
Alhaji Yusuf Umar, Commissioner, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ethical Orientation, Yobe commended the organisations for the event and described it as `apt’ in proffering solution to issues bordering on Almajiris.
He said Almajiri is a long standing Islamic education system that unfortunately faced numerous challenges in the country lately.
According to him, these challenges include inability to access formal education, healthcare and social services, which has left most Almajiris children marginalised.
“This event will not have come at a better time as it is intended to facilitate response to child trafficking, promote dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, to tackle challenges faced by this category of children.
“Yobe under the purposeful leadership of Gov. Mai Mala-Buni, accords priority to the welfare of Almajiri among other children, particularly bearing in mind that they are mostly affected by the effects of the ravaged Boko Haram,’’ Umar said.
The ACRI Board Chair, Fati Murtala-Ibrahim disclosed that the event marked the fourth edition since the establishment of the initiative.
“This roundtable serves as a vital advocacy structure by ACRI to continuously bring issues about the Almajiris to the forefront of discussion.
“In past years, our national advocacy campaign has successfully increased, in terms of public concern and engagement,’’ she said.
Prof. Fatima Waziri, Director-General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), emphasised the need for review of Almajiri education system to ensure protection of children without exploitation.
Waziri was represented by Mr Josiah Emerole, Director Research and Programme Development, NAPTIP Abuja.
“The protection of children in the Almajiri system and the fight against trafficking are not just legal obligations, but moral imperatives.
“Through collaborative efforts, strengthened legislation and relentless advocacy, we can create a safer, more just society where every child is free from exploitation and able to realise their full potentials,’’ Waziri said. (NAN)
