Before you blame Almajiris on the streets, help them

BY ISAH AHMED

It is sickening and totally inhumane, the way we passes blame on helpless young children we met on the streets sent on ‘Almajiranci’ by their parents. The way we think is somewhat irrational because our blames and subsequent decision not to help them are wrongly channeled.

Whenever I meet this kind of innocent children, I first put the blame on their parents then the authorities who failed to strictly put a stop to it. Then I look closely at the help I can offer at that particular moment because we may not get to see again.

As human, we should always think of getting these innocently helpless children out of the situation they found themselves before thinking of who to blame. That thing you think is too small can change their lives forever. The constituted authorities also need to come to their rescue by ensuring that no parent send his/her kid(s) out in the name of Almajiranci without proper care through periodic visits. The so-called Malams should be registered and penalized whenever any kid under their care is found on the street roaming and/or begging.

Wherever, whenever and however you met Almajiris on the street, please help them before you blame them, they are victims of circumstance.