We need to pay more attention to children

nder-aged children are being fingered in many crimes committed in the society today, and if nothing is done and urgently too, our society will not know peace.

It has been observed that the number of abandoned children on the streets is increasing and that is not good for the country. Parents and guardians must step up and check the trend.

The issue of street children has been in the front burner for some time now, but the problem has refused to go away. There are also countless non-governmental organisations supposedly working for the interest of street children. Well-attended workshops and conferences have been convened on the subject. Even government claims to be doing its very best to address the problem, yet the problem seems to be growing bigger.

Look at the Almajiri system in the society today. The National Council for the Welfare of Destitute (NCWD) puts the current population of the almajirai at about seven million. One can imagine seven million potential journalists, judges, accountants and engineers, wasting away. The system, as it is being practised, has outlived its usefulness. The system lacks good teachers and healthy environment.

As it was rightly observed by Professor Idris Abdulqadir, there seems to be a conspiracy of silence between the parents, authorities and the society at large. For the parents, the system provides an outlet, and a drainage for the excess children at home. For the authorities, it is a relief that they do not have to budget for about seven million almajiri children’s education and welfare. As for the elite, they care less as long as their own children are not involved. But let us remember this adage: a mad dog does not hesitate to bite anybody, including its owner.

The media also can play a role by reporting issues on street children so that stakeholders can take action. Government should also ensure that proper sanctions are put in place for anyone whose child is found in the street.