By: Modou Touray
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) has announced a ban on students roaming the streets and beaches to solicit donations, citing child protection and safety concerns.
“This practice does not only compromise the dignity of these children but also violate principles of child protection and their right to receive education in a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, such practices expose them to potential abuse and harm from criminal activities.” the ministry said.
The ban came after the Ministry said its attention had been drawn to reports of students from Quranic Memorization Centers, commonly known as Daaras, wandering in public places to ask for donations.
“Consequently, the Ministry bans these actions especially when the students are in their school uniforms and reminds all stakeholders that no student, whether from “Daaras”, Madrassa’s or conventional schools, should be sent to public spaces to solicit donations of any kind,” MoBSE stated in a press release on Tuesday morning.
According to the ministry, the practice exposes children to potential abuse and criminal activities, stressing that sending them into public spaces for fundraising undermines their safety and well-being.
Consequently, the ministry imposed an immediate ban on the act, particularly when it is being done while on school uniforms, clarifying that the directive applies to all students, whether from Daaras, Madrasas, or conventional school.
“The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding all students from exploitation and urges parents, guardians, school authorities, and community leaders to fulfill their responsibilities in this matter,” the ministry said, urging members of the public to report any such incidents to the nearest Regional Education Directorate so that appropriate actions can be taken.
