My name is Khady, and I am originally from Senegal.

Growing up, I saw young boys, some as little as five years old, walking barefoot with empty tins in their hands, begging for food and coins.

These children are called talibés: students living in Quranic schools known as daaras, sent by parents who want them to learn the Qur’an and grow spiritually.

But because many daaras have no funding, children are forced to survive by begging.

Not for extra money.

Not for treats.

But for their only meal of the day.

As a Senegalese woman and a student of international development, I couldn’t ignore this reality. I created Jappante, which means “help each other” in Wolof , to give these children dignity, safety, and the chance to learn without hunger or shame.

This campaign will fund a 3-month pilot programme supporting 30 talibé children with food, hygiene, clothes, healthcare, and learning.

What Your Support Will Do

With your help, Jappante will provide full care for 30 children across 1 daara:

1. Three healthy meals every day

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner cooked by women in the community, who will be paid for their work.

2. Clean clothes, shoes & hygiene kits

Soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, detergent, underwear — everything needed for dignity and health.

3. Basic healthcare

A nurse will visit every two weeks to check the children’s wellbeing and treat minor illnesses.

4. Weekly literacy lessons

Basic French classes to help them build real opportunities for their futures.

5. Community empowerment

Women will be hired to prepare meals and assist with day-to-day coordination, creating local income and leadership.

Why Your Support Matters

Child begging in Senegal is one of the most urgent and overlooked issues in West Africa.

Talibé children:

Walk for hours barefoot

Eat once a day and sometimes not at all

Have no hygiene, making illness common

Rarely get to learn French, limiting all future opportunities

This project will:

You will literally be removing children from the streets and replacing begging with care, nourishment, and dignity.

Here is exactly how your donation will be used:

Meals – £1,674

Three meals a day for 90 days for 30 children.

Clothing – £450

Two outfits + shoes per child.

Hygiene kits – £113

Healthcare – £300

Nurse visits, first-aid supplies, hygiene education.

Transport & Distribution – £885

Storage & logistics – £188

Local coordination – £285

Communication & admin – £150

Contingency (10%) – £365

Total Needed: £4,410