Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Street begging by children remains a troubling and widespread issue across The Gambia, prompting renewed calls from residents and child rights advocates for stronger protection measures for vulnerable children.
In major urban centers such as Banjul and Serrekunda, children are frequently seen on busy streets, markets, and traffic junctions, soliciting money or food from passersby. Many of these children are enrolled in daaras—Islamic schools run by marabouts—but instead of receiving adequate care and education, some are reportedly compelled to beg in order to survive or to provide income for their teachers.
Residents argue that the situation reflects deeper systemic failures in child welfare and education oversight. Lamin Jallow, a taxi driver in Serrekunda, stressed the need for closer supervision of daaras. “We need better schools and proper monitoring,” he said. “Some parents send their children away, but no one checks whether they are safe or properly cared for.”
Others point to poverty as a key driver of child begging and emphasize the need for stronger social safety nets. “Many of these children are on the streets because their families are struggling,” said Isatou Bah, a shopkeeper in Banjul. “If the government provided more support to poor families, children would not be forced to beg.”
Concerns have also been raised about the inconsistent enforcement of existing child protection laws. Ebrima Sowe, a father of three in Banjul, noted that legislation alone has not been sufficient. “The Children’s Act exists, but it does not seem to stop this practice,” he said. “Children continue to be exploited, and action by authorities appears to be sporadic.”
Child rights activists warn that street begging exposes children to serious risks, including abuse, traffic accidents, illness, and the loss of educational opportunities. They argue that addressing the problem requires a comprehensive approach that combines strict enforcement of child protection laws with regulation of daaras and increased assistance for vulnerable families.
“These children are the future of our country,” said Mariama Sowe, a school teacher. “We cannot allow them to grow up without protection, education, or hope.”
As child begging remains a visible reality in towns and cities across The Gambia, many citizens are urging authorities to take decisive and sustained action to ensure that every child grows up in safety, receives an education, and has a fair chance at a better future.
