What is a Talibe?

Whenever you visit Senegal, one of the first people you will come in contact with is a talibe. Talibes are boys between the ages of 3-16 who spend their days begging on the streets for money. You will recognize them by the red tomato can they carry in their hands for collecting coins. How did they end up there? Well, often their families were financially unable to feed them and take care of them. In other cases, they believe it is the best way for them to learn to be a devout Muslim. The word "talibe" means follower. So, they are becoming followers of Islam and the Koran. Whatever the reason may be, the parents send their boys to live with the religious leader of the village called a marabout. Very few talibes know who their parents are or where they live. In the mornings, they are taught to memorize the Koran and in the afternoons they roam the city, crossing busy streets, and begging for money. Living conditions for the talibes are some of the lowest among the people. At night, large numbers of boys will be packed into one room to sleep on mats in the sand. Many suffer from skin diseases, malaria, and other health problems. While some marabouts treat their boys as students and do their best to meet their basic needs, others are not so generous. If a boy disobeys or returns from the streets without enough money he could be beaten.

A large part of my ministry during my stay here involves the talibes. Several times a week I have been working at centers that provide safety and supplies for the boys. They are able to come and receive food, medical care, and showers. It is a place where they can be kids and have fun, if only for a few hours. We also take advantage of this time to show them God's love and share stories from the Word. I ask that you please remember the talibes in your prayers. Pray also for a renewed energy for each worker at the center.