Poverty and insecurity in the Central Sahel have pushed many children to beg in streets and on sidewalks. National data show high poverty: 43 percent in Burkina Faso (2021), 45.5 percent in Mali (2021) and 47.4 percent in Niger (2023). The three countries together have approximately 77 million people.
Investigations report large numbers of forced begging: more than 20,000 children in Mali (43 percent girls), and an Anti Slavery survey in Niger found 76,080 victims among 86,824 students in 1,543 Quranic schools. Human Rights Watch reported over 50,000 Talibé children forced to beg daily in Senegal (2017). A child told Global Voices about long walks, hunger and threats when he could not bring money.
UNICEF’s 2023 report links economic, social and family factors to the rise in child begging. Local groups provide community action, psychosocial care and medical help, but government action is uneven and difficult to implement.
Difficult words
- poverty — The state of being very poor.
- begging — Asking people for money or help.beg
- children — Young people who are not adults.
- education — Learning in school or other settings.
- violence — The use of physical force to hurt someone.
- support — Help or assistance.
- collaboration — Working together with others.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can communities better support children in need?
- What roles do governments and NGOs play in this issue?
- Why is it important to address the root causes of poverty?
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