Programs
The FBF Fight
The Talibe (Child Beggar) System
In the Talibe system, young boys, often from impoverished backgrounds or rural areas, are sent to boarding schools called daaras. The reality for many Talibe children is harsh and challenging. Instead of focusing solely on education, they are often forced to beg on the streets as a means of survival. The money they collect through begging is often handed over to their teachers, who then use it to maintain the schools. Whenever you are in Senegal, it would not take you long to notice a talibe with a bucket in hand, wandering in the streets and begging for food.
At Full Bucket Foundation, we aim to fill those buckets, hence our name.
What the Data Says
The number of Talibe Children: It is estimated that tens of thousands of children are involved in the Talibe system in Senegal. The exact number may vary depending on the source and region.
Living Conditions: Many Talibe children live in daaras (boarding schools) with overcrowded and inadequate living conditions. They often lack access to basic necessities such as proper shelter, sanitation facilities, healthcare, and nutritious food.
Education: Despite the original purpose of daaras being religious education, Talibe children often lack access to formal education. They spend significant time on the streets begging for money and are deprived of a comprehensive education.
Child Exploitation: Talibe children are at risk of exploitation, including physical and verbal abuse, forced begging, and exposure to hazardous conditions. Some teachers exploit the children by using them as a source of income through begging.
Health and Well-being: Talibe children face numerous health challenges, including malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities. They are also vulnerable to diseases, abuse, and neglect.
One Student, One Job
We are proud to partner with two organizations in Senegal to host skill-building workshops for older students within our boarding schools. This collaboration aims to make a significant impact on the lives of these students and the communities they belong to…
Menstrual Hygiene
Living in a third-world country where basic necessities like food and clean water are scarce, it becomes incredibly challenging to prioritize hygiene products. In such circumstances, individuals and families often struggle to have enough food on the table…
Brick by Brick
Our brick-by-brick program is inspired by providing a better classroom environment for our kids in the classrooms. A comfortable classroom has been proven to favor students’ success and increase their engagement, so we are grateful that we can help the kids in that way…
Farming
Our long-term goal is for the Daaras to be self-sufficient and not be dependent on outside help. We are aiming to accomplish self-sufficiency for the Daaras through in-house farming. Growing most of the food they consume would be a huge cost saver for the schools…
Food Distribution
Food insecurity within the Senegal boarding school system is at an all-time high. All our partner schools struggle to meet basic needs. We have a monthly food distribution program which will be the goal of nursing these schools to complete self-sufficiency. We aim…
Medical
We are launching the “Medical Donation Box Challenge” in collaboration with nurses, hospitals, and healthcare facilities. The goal of this challenge is to rally your expertise, compassion, and commitment toward assembling medical donation boxes…