Almajiri Welfare Advocacy Project

The Almajiri Welfare Advocacy Project was launched in 2007 to address the plight of thousands of Almajiri children in Sokoto State. These children, often found begging on the streets, lived in conditions of extreme poverty, lacking food, clothing, shelter, and access to education.

JCDI advocated for the integration of Qur’anic schools into the formal education system to ensure that Almajiri children received both religious and modern education. The project proposed the construction and renovation of classrooms, provision of teaching materials, and payment of salaries to Mallams (Islamic teachers).

Engagements were held with government authorities, religious leaders, and parents to build consensus on reforming the Almajiri system. The project also pushed for social amenities in rural areas to reduce rural-urban migration, which fuels the Almajiri crisis.

This initiative was ahead of its time, calling for systemic change to give Almajiri children their constitutional right to welfare and education. It remains one of JCDI’s most impactful advocacy efforts.