Resilience in Adversity: Survival Strategies among Almajiri Children in Sokoto and Kano States, Nigeria

Almajiri children in Nigeria's Sokoto and Kano states face extreme poverty, exploitation, and limited access to basic necessities. This study investigates the survival strategies employed by Almajiri children to cope with these challenges. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining: Survey research among Almajiri children; Indepth interviews with Almajiri children, Islamic leaders, and community members; Observational studies in Almajiri schools and communities. Almajiri children employ diverse economic (begging, menial jobs), social (forming alliances, seeking patronage), and coping (resilience, spiritual) strategies. They suffer limited access to education, healthcare, and nutrition which exacerbates vulnerability. Exploitation by adults and poor living conditions persist. Almajiri children demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. However, their survival strategies are often inadequate, highlighting the need for sustainable support systems. The study recommends that Government should provide education and healthcare services; economic empowerment Programmes for Almajiri children, as well as community-based initiatives promoting child protection and welfare should be enhanced. There is also a need for integration of secular education into Qur’anic schools and policy reforms addressing child poverty and exploitation.