Abstract
This research investigated the challenges faced by Almajiris in Samaru Community, Zaria, Nigeria, and the coping strategies they employ. The research also examined the impact of the currency releasing policy on Almajiris. The research found that Almajiris in Samaru Community face a number of challenges, including difficulty in accessing basic necessities, such as food, shelter, and healthcare; lack of access to education; and pressure to beg for money. The community has taken some steps to address these challenges, such as establishing a system of leaders to guide Almajiris, providing shelters for Almajiris, and discouraging begging. However, the research also found that these efforts have not been entirely successful. For example, many Almajiris still find it difficult to feed themselves, and they often have to resort to begging. The currency releasing policy has also had a negative impact on Almajiris. This policy, which was introduced in Nigeria in 2020, limits the amount of cash that people can carry. This has made it more difficult for Almajiris to collect money from people, and it has also made it more difficult for them to access basic necessities. Overall, the research found that Almajiris in Samaru Community continue to face a number of challenges. These challenges need to be addressed in order to improve the lives of Almajiris and their communities.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Background of the study 4
1.1 Statement of the Problem 5
1.2 Aims and Objectives 8
1.3 Research Question 8
1.4 Scope of the Study 9
1.5 Significance of the Study 9
1.6 Definition of Terms 10
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction to the Almajiri system in Nigeria 12
2.1 Historical and cultural context of the Almajiri system 13
2.2 Challenges faced by Almajiris in Nigeria 14
2.3 Coping strategies employed by Almajiris in Nigeria 15
2.4 Overview of the currency releasing policy in Nigeria 16
2.4.2 Criticisms and limitations of the currency releasing policy 18
2.5 Best practices and alternative interventions for supporting Almajiris 19
2.6 Gaps in the literature and research questions for the current study 20
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction 22
3.2 Research Design 22
3.3 Population of the study 22
3.4 Sample Size 24
3.5 Method of Data Collection 24
3.5.1 Sources of Primary Data 24
3.5.2 Sources of Secondary Data 24
3.6 Method of Data Analysis 24
3.7 Administration of Instrument 25
3.8 Limitations of the study 25
3.9 Conclusion 25
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction 26
4.2Data Presentation and Analysis 26
4.3 Discussions of Findings 30
4.4 Conclusion 32
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Summary 34
5.2 Recommendation 34
5.3 Conclusion 35
REFERENCE 36
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Background of the study
Albert (2018) explained the Almajiri system as a traditional system of Islamic education in Northern Nigeria, where young boys are sent to Islamic scholars to receive education in the Qur'an and Islamic teachings. The system has been in existence for centuries and has been seen as a way of preserving Islamic knowledge and culture. However, the Almajiri system has been associated with poverty, illiteracy, and child labor, as many parents who cannot afford to send their children to school opt for the Almajiri system as a cheaper alternative.
The system is characterized by children who are separated from their families, deprived of basic necessities, and forced to beg on the streets for their survival. According to a 2014 report by UNICEF, there are an estimated 9.5 million Almajiris in Northern Nigeria, with about 80% of them being under the age of 14 years. The report also highlights the challenges faced by Almajiris, including poverty, malnutrition, abuse, and lack of access to education, healthcare, and social services. Omoniyi (2013).
In an effort to address the challenges faced by Almajiris, the Nigerian government introduced a currency releasing policy in 2010, which aimed to provide financial support to Almajiris and encourage their enrolment in formal schools. The policy required Islamic schools to register with the government and obtain a certificate of compliance, after which they would receive monthly payments of N5,000 per student. The policy also required that students be provided with basic amenities, such as accommodation, healthcare, and food.Omoniyi (2013)
Despite the introduction of the currency releasing policy, the challenges faced by Almajiris persist. Studies have shown that many Islamic schools have not complied with the policy, and that some have even exploited the Almajiris by diverting the funds meant for their welfare. In addition, the policy has been criticized for its narrow focus on financial support, without addressing the root causes of poverty and illiteracy in the Almajiri system.
The challenges faced by Almajiris have led to the emergence of various coping strategies among the children. These strategies include street begging, petty trading, and engaging in menial jobs such as shoe shining and car washing. However, these strategies are often insufficient to meet their basic needs, and many Almajiris continue to live in abject poverty.Opara (2014).
This study aims to explore the challenges faced by Almajiris in Samaru community, Zaria, Kaduna state, and the coping strategies employed by the children. The study will also assess the effectiveness of the currency releasing policy in addressing the needs of Almajiris in the community. The findings of this study will provide insights into the Almajiri system and currency releasing policy, and inform policy and practice in addressing the challenges faced by Almajiris in Nigeria.
1.1 Statement of the Problem
The Almajiri system in Nigeria is a centuries-old tradition of Islamic education that involves sending children to live with Islamic scholars (Malam) to study the Quran and Islamic teachings. The children, referred to as Almajiris, are expected to fend for themselves by begging for food and money from the community. The system has been criticized for perpetuating poverty, illiteracy, and child labor, with many Almajirislacking access to basic necessities such as education, healthcare, and shelter.Omoniyi (2014)
Adeyemi (2016) also reveals that iIn response to these challenges, the Nigerian government introduced a currency releasing policy in 2010, which aimed to provide financial support to Almajiris and encourage their enrolment in formal schools. The policy involves providing Almajiris with a monthly allowance of 3,000 Naira (approximately $7) to support their basic needs and encourage enrolment in formal schools. However, despite the introduction of the policy, the challenges faced by Almajiris persist.The problem this study seeks to address is to explore the challenges faced by Almajiris in Samaru community, Zaria, Kaduna state, and the coping strategies employed by the children. Samaru community is a densely populated area that is home to a significant number of Almajiris who beg for their livelihood. The study will provide insights into the challenges faced by Almajiris in this community and inform policy and practice in addressing the challenges of the Almajiri system.
The challenges faced by Almajiris in Samaru community are multi-faceted and complex. One of the primary challenges is poverty, which affects the ability of children to access basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Many Almajiris in the community live in overcrowded conditions and lack access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare services. This often results in poor health outcomes and high mortality rates among Almajiri children.
Another challenge faced by Almajiris in Samaru community is the lack of access to formal education. Many Almajiris in the community are unable to enrol in formal schools due to poverty and other social and cultural factors. This results in a high illiteracy rate among Almajiris, which perpetuates poverty and limits their opportunities for upward mobility.
The coping strategies employed by Almajiris in Samaru community to address these challenges are also complex and varied. Many children resort to begging for their livelihood, while others engage in menial jobs such as street hawking, domestic work, and manual labor. Some Almajiris also rely on support from family members, friends, and other community members to meet their basic needs.
The currency releasing policy introduced by the Nigerian government is a significant intervention aimed at addressing the needs of Almajiris in the country. However, the effectiveness of the policy in addressing the challenges faced by Almajiris in Samaru community is unclear. There is a need to assess the impact of the policy and identify the limitations and gaps in its implementation. Ikenyibe (2015)
Furthermore, the broader social and economic implications of the Almajiri system and the currency releasing policy in Nigeria require attention. The Almajiri system perpetuates poverty and illiteracy, which have significant social and economic implications for the country. The currency releasing policy, while a step in the right direction, is not enough to address the root causes of poverty and illiteracy in the Almajiri system. There is a need for comprehensive policies that address the social, cultural, and economic factors that perpetuate the Almajiri system and limit the opportunities of Almajiris for upward mobility.
In summary, the study seeks to explore the challenges faced by Almajiris in Samaru community, the coping strategies employed by the children, the effectiveness of the currency releasing policy, and the broader social and economic implications of the Almajiri system and the policy in Nigeria.
1.2 Aims and Objectives
The aim of this study is to explore the challenges faced by Almajiris in Samaru community, Zaria, Kaduna state, and the coping strategies employed by the children in response to these challenges. Specifically, the study seeks to:
1. Identify the challenges faced by Almajiris in Samaru community, including access to basic necessities, such as food, shelter, and healthcare, and access to education.
2. Examine the coping strategies employed by Almajiris in Samaru community, including begging, engaging in menial jobs, and relying on support from family members, friends, and community members.
3. Assess the effectiveness of the currency releasing policy in addressing the challenges faced by Almajiris in Samaru community.
4. Examine the broader social and economic implications of the Almajiri system and the currency releasing policy in Nigeria, including the perpetuation of poverty and illiteracy and the limitations and gaps in the implementation of the policy.
1.3 Research Question
1. What are the challenges faced by Almajiris in Samaru community, Zaria, Kaduna state, including access to basic necessities, such as food, shelter, and healthcare, and access to education?
2. What coping strategies are employed by Almajiris in Samaru community, including begging, engaging in menial jobs, and relying on support from family members, friends, and community members?
3. To what extent has the currency releasing policy been effective in addressing the challenges faced by Almajiris in Samaru community?
4. What are the broader social and economic implications of the Almajiri system and the currency releasing policy in Nigeria, including the perpetuation of poverty and illiteracy and the limitations and gaps in the implementation of the policy?
1.4 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on the challenges faced by Almajiris in the Samaru community of Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria, and their coping strategies, as well as the effectiveness of the currency releasing policy in addressing these challenges. The study will be conducted using a qualitative research design and will involve data collection through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with Almajiris, their families, and community members in Samaru.
The study will not cover other communities outside Samaru or other regions of Nigeria where the Almajiri system is practiced. Additionally, the study will not delve into the historical, cultural, or religious factors that have contributed to the development and sustenance of the Almajiri system in Nigeria. Rather, it will focus on the current challenges and coping strategies employed by Almajiris in Samaru and the effectiveness of the currency releasing policy in addressing these challenges.
1.5 Significance of the Study
The significance of this study lies in its contribution to the understanding of the challenges faced by Almajiris in Samaru community, Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria, and their coping strategies, as well as the effectiveness of the currency releasing policy in addressing these challenges. Specifically, the study will have the following significance:
1. It will provide insights into the challenges faced by Almajiris in Samaru community, including their access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. This knowledge can inform policy and practice in addressing the challenges and improving the wellbeing of Almajiris.
2. The study will also reveal the coping strategies employed by Almajiris in Samaru community. This knowledge can inform interventions aimed at supporting the children and improving their livelihoods.
3. The study will assess the effectiveness of the currency releasing policy in addressing the challenges faced by Almajiris in Samaru community. This knowledge can inform policy decisions on the implementation of the policy and its potential impact on the lives of Almajiris.
4. The study will provide insights into the broader social and economic implications of the Almajiri system and the currency releasing policy in Nigeria, including the perpetuation of poverty and illiteracy and the limitations and gaps in the implementation of the policy. This knowledge can inform policy decisions on the reform of the Almajiri system and the development of more effective interventions to address the challenges faced by Almajiris.
Overall, the study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the Almajiri system in Nigeria and inform policy and practice in addressing the challenges faced by Almajiris in the country.
1.6 Definition of Terms
Almajiri system: The Almajiri system is a traditional system of Islamic education in Northern Nigeria where young boys (Almajiris) are sent by their parents to live with and study under an Islamic scholar (Malam) in a different location. The system is often characterized by poor living conditions and lack of access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare, and has been criticized for perpetuating poverty and illiteracy.
Coping strategies: Coping strategies refer to the various techniques and methods that individuals or groups use to manage or adapt to stressful or challenging situations. In the context of this study, coping strategies may refer to the ways in which Almajiris in Samaru community are managing the challenges they face, such as begging, engaging in menial jobs, or relying on support from family members and community members.
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