Almajiri gotten from the arabic word "Al-muhajirun" which means a person who leaves his home in search of knowledge in this case islamic knowledge. A system of education mostly practice in Northern Nigeria. That is the official meaning but of recent it has come to be associated with begging. So to the average Nigerian an almajiri is a begger. The lost in translation is largely due to the abuse of the almajiri system by greedy persons.
The current trend in the almajiri system serve as a means of excape from parental responsibilities by the parents of these children and also as a personal ATM to the teachers that are meant to teach them. Majority of these children Were forced into this system of education by their parents at an early age to a place far away from home. Left to fend for themselves with the little money they earn from begging and child labor. They are exposed to a life of crime , sexual abuse, political thugs, terrorism , drug abuse. Only a lucky few benefits from this system, graduate and go back home.
Most wonder the streets, hanging around restaurant begging for food, sleeping on the streets and under bridges.
The almajiri system of education is now a social menace to the Society of which if nothing is done quickly would lead to a full blown epidemic. .
Parents of these children most take responsibility and the teachers must be held accountable. Criminal charges level against both the parents and the teachers of any child found roaming around the streets begging. Efforts need to be made to return these children back home.
Let's lend our voice together with that of Elraj to help this voiceless children from far far away.
http://www.krockcitydegreez.com/2018/12/elraj-diary-of-almajiri-spoken-words.html