Restoring Rights for Talibé Children in Senegal
Thousands of talibé children and teens live on the streets of Saint Louis, in northern Senegal. Sent by their families from villages or neighboring countries in the hope of getting an education, many end up neglected, destitute, and exploited.
The project Talibe Children’s Home, launched by Fundación Asha-Kiran together with Association Maison des Talibés, seeks to break this cycle of exclusion, restoring fundamental rights and offering real alternatives for the future.
A Community Center for Talibé Children
The heart of the project is the creation of a Community Center in Daroum neighborhood, a safe space that combines education, health care, and psychosocial support. Here, more than 600 children have access to basic literacy classes in French, English and math, regular medical attention, and workshops on rights, hygiene, and violence prevention.
Every day, this space represents the difference between life on the streets and the possibility of growing up with self-respect.
Health, Education, and Protection
The center has teaching, medical, and local community staff who are specially trained to care for street children.
In addition to classes, the children receive medical checkups, skin treatments, and basic nutrition that have a direct impact on their physical and emotional well-being.
Participatory workshops help them learn about and stand up for their rights, boosting their self-esteem and decreasing their vulnerability to trafficking networks and irregular migration populations.
Participation and Community
The project promotes child participation through Children's Committees that meet monthly to express their opinions and make proposals.
At the same time, we work with local and religious leaders (marabouts), building trust and dialogue from within to transform the conditions that perpetuate exclusion.
The initiative also incorporates a gender and environmental sustainability approach, raising community awareness about equality, hygiene, and environmental care.
A replicable model
“Talibe Children’s Home ” is a commitment to the future and dignity of Senegalese children. It is a project that combines protection, education, and well-being, and aims to become a replicable model for transforming other communities affected by poverty and exclusion.
