Basic Education of Vulnerable Children Program

Situation
Koranic boarding schools, called Daaras, are the primary source of education for many children in northern Senegal. The Daaras often lack the necessary resources to provide their students (taalibés) with an adequate living and learning environment. These conditions result in poorly educated and nutritionally deficient children.

The largest concentration of these children can be found in the St. Louis region: more than 90 percent of taalibé children are beggars. These beggar children are at an increased risk of exploitation, with teachers often requiring them to beg for money in the streets to support the Daaras. Other students, whose school is close to home, are sent to work in the streets by their own parents.

What We Do
Counterpart International targets vulnerable school children attending under-resourced Daaras. The project enrolls 50,000 Talibes and street children into the Koranic schools; improves the physical conditions of the schools and the quality of education through teacher training; builds the capacity of 50 community based organizations to get off the streets and into schools; and works with the government of Senegal to develop a comprehensive policy to assist vulnerable children.

This project puts in place an effective vulnerable children prevention strategy that encourages parents and communities to find local, community based options near their homes for meeting the religious and academic education needs of their children. In addition, Counterpart is building a network of Koranic Maitres who serve as an advisory and advocacy body to improve conditions in poorly resourced or poorly operated Daaras.

Throughout this program, vulnerable children receive first-aid and hygiene kits, de-worming medications and school meals, as well as increased educational support. Counterpart is also working collaboratively with AED and other partners to implement a new school curriculum. Koranic Teacher Associations are being strengthened and are expected to work towards improving the living conditions and educational opportunities for Talibes. As part of this initiative, latrines and school shelters will be constructed, and water infrastructure will be rehabilitated or constructed.

Impacts

• Nearly 5,000 vulnerable children (1,083 girls) are newly enrolled in educational structures. This is almost double the number of targeted children for the year and five times as many girls.
• 65 educational structures have been identified for targeted interventions. Developing and testing a new education curriculum has been a priority.
• 500 children, identified as being vulnerable to school drop-out, have been selected for support in the current school year.
• A family reunion camp was held in partnership with Enda Jeunesse Action. 70 children who had been separated from their families attended; 51 were reunited with their families and will be monitored throughout the year.