From Street Life to Digital Skills: 21 Former Almajiri Children Gain New Path Through Education and Technology
Twenty-one Almajiri children have made a significant stride towards a better future after completing a technology and entrepreneurship programme aimed at giving vulnerable children an education, skills and opportunities to become self-reliant.
The graduates of the Almajiri-to-Tech Initiative in Abuja had been introduced to begging in the streets and had had minimal access to formal education. They were provided with entrepreneurship development support and after 6 months of training they gained practical technology skills in repairing phones, laptops, power banks and other electronic devices.
The campaign emphasises the need to provide education, skills development and a safe environment for every child to reach their full potential from a child protection point of view. Child rights groups have long called for pathways for children out of school that will keep them safe from exploitation, poverty and other dangers of street life.
The programme was a mix of technical education and welfare support such as meals, transport, uniforms and mentorship, said Tim Akano, the founder of the Almajiri-to-Tech Foundation. His aim was to make the children confident, independent and positive in their future, he added.
One of the graduates came from Niger Republic where he could not speak English but is now able to communicate and provide technical repair services.
The foundation will continue to support the graduates through a workshop in Abuja where they will be able to practise their skills and serve customers, the foundation said. A few excellent participants will also be provided with business tools and financial assistance to start their businesses.
The programme illustrates the impact of education, protection and skills development in helping vulnerable children to overcome challenges and move from survival to meaningful opportunities.
