Talibés and Children’s Rights in Senegal

Donna L. PerryDepartment of Sociology & Anthropology

March 3, 2006

Senegal10,589,571 population

Same size as South Dakota94% Muslim

Talibé: Muslim child disciple (boy entrusted to live with and work for a marabout for many years)

Marabout: Islamic sage

Teaches talibés to recite the Qur’an and performs many other religious duties (leading prayers, healing, officiating at ceremonies, resolving disputes, and preparing protective amulets)

Daara: informal school run by a marabout

http://armsoflove.org/where_senegal_talibe.htm

See pictures on the website of “Arms of Love International, Talibé Program

A. Parents who send their

children to live as talibés

B. Rural Critics:

Wolof farmers

who oppose the

talibé institution

C. Urban Critics:

Intellectuals

&

Islamic Fundamentalists

who oppose the talibé institution

D. Marabouts and their devotees who lash back