Moroccan civil society and government try to help children at risk
2007-02-02
Civil society and government agencies in Morocco are trying to take children off the streets, but resources are limited.
Text and photos by Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 02/02/07
 Homeless children comb the main thoroughfares of Rabat and even sleep on the ground. |
In the backstreets of Rabat, children comb the streets and turn up at mosques and bakeries looking for charitable souls. Mohcine Zalafe, 10, is one of them. Over the past year he has become used to approaching passers-by next to the bus station in Rabat, looking sickly and pale-faced, and dressed in filthy clothes. "I can collect between 80 and 120 Dirhams a day," he says proudly.
"The older you get, the less people want to give you money," says his friend, 16-year-old Samir Bouchtaoui.
The two boys are hardly ever separated. Mohcine’s mission is to collect as much money as possible and Samir undertakes to "protect" him from the other street children.
Up to now, there have been no precise statistics regarding the phenomenon of street children. In Casablanca, there are thought to be between 5,000 and 7,000 street children. In Morocco, there are around 25,000 according to the associations.
"It’s difficult to get a clear picture of this phenomenon. Most of the children spend their time moving from place to place and from town to town, fleeing from the police, attackers and the eyes of society," says Omar Saadoun, street educator for 12 years with the Bayti association.
Sociologist Ahmed Chaabouni explains that the rupture of the family unit is at the heart of the street children phenomenon: the death of the father or mother, divorce, remarriage, poverty, irresponsible parenting. "There are many children who say they have run away because of the brutality of family members. The streets present an irresistible temptation for these young fugitives."
According to Claude Groshamp, general superintendent of the Moroccan Association for the Protection of Children in Danger (ADIM), civil society’s efforts remain limited in this field, despite major action taken by various associations. Curing addictions, reintegrating the children and returning them to education are the principal areas of action, despite the meagre funds available.
Groshamp says he tries to make contact with the children, to understand them and to give them guidance. "I give them food. I talk to them like an older brother, and I try not to make them feel they’re being blamed."
Many other associations try to brighten up the daily existence of these needy children.
In El Youssoufia, a working-class district of Rabat, the Shemsy association takes in several of these children in need; the centre has been open for decades. "To offer a calm place for child victims of delinquency to stay is one of the association’s priorities," explains Chairman Thourya Bouabid.
At the association’s headquarters, educators try to get the children reintegrated into school to rescue them from the grasp of vice. Those who are beyond school-leaving age receive professional training.
"An educator in an open setting is permanently out on the streets listening to children and talking them round. He is there not to judge them but to understand them. The parents are sometimes an obstacle to children being integrated, wanting their offspring to continue begging at any cost. The educators’ work is very difficult. On the ground, they must give their all to convince the children and those close to them of the benefits of children reintegrating," Bouabid says.
In the centre’s Arabic class, children listen to teacher, Mohamed Kanbaou. But some of them are distracted, and do not seem to pay much attention. Kanbaou admits that he encounters a lot of difficulties with these children, who require a different approach from the other pupils.
"The economic and social situations of these children cause us enormous difficulties. They lack concentration. Some even stop coming here. Before teaching them, we prepare them so that they can regain their self-confidence. But we must always keep a close eye on them," Kanbaou explains.
 Krimou proved to be gifted in improvisational performances |
In the photo laboratory, children are learning to develop and print photographs which they took themselves with the help of their teacher. For many, it's their favourite activity. However, the place where all the children like to "take refuge" is undoubtedly the drama studio. That is where they learn to express themselves freely, to reveal their pain, suffering and also their hopes, all without fear.
From watching "halquas" (street performances), Krimou, one of the students, has proved to be gifted in improvising these shows. Before coming to the association, he had a stutter. But he soon managed to overcome this obstacle and now talks normally.
Bouabid explains that despite the civil society’s efforts, the financial resources are proving to be limited.
The state is trying to combat the phenomenon of street children. The first mobile unit in the emergency social services, essentially targeting street children, was formed last September in Casablanca, with the intention of being rolled out to all cities in Morocco. Five child protection units will be set up in Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangiers, Fez and Laâyoune, thanks to a special judicial framework.
According to the state secretariat with responsibility for families, children and the handicapped, the "idmaj" programme, which is part of the national childhood plan of action (2006-2015), aims at reintegrating street children, concentrating its work in the first stage on large- and medium-sized towns.
In Casablanca, the paramedic service patrols go out every other day. From 9pm to 5am, a mobile team combs the areas of Casa-port, the fishing port, Place Verdun, the Ancient Medina, Mers Sultan, Derb Omar and the Korea district, looking for children. First aid consists of Betadine antiseptic and sticking plasters for those who have injuries, in addition to psychiatric help. "As for the most serious cases, such as fractures, bronchitis attacks or major cuts, these are taken to hospital," explains Afifa Belghiti, director of the paramedic service.
With both the state and civil society involved in the effort to offer Morocco's street children a better reality, the onus is on families to provide these children protection and a sense of belonging. According to the Bayti NGO, which has been trying to reintegrate street children into their families and schools, the success of these efforts is contingent not only on financial support, but on a true partnership between the family, the school, the state, the NGO and the private sector.
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basma Posted 2007-10-28
Morocco is the best!
jihane Posted 2007-10-30
I see we need to find a solution to what's going on, especially in Morocco.
salma Posted 2007-11-11
We need to find a solution for all the children living on the streets of Morocco. All of us need to help them. If you are a parent, then you need to help them as if they were your own children. You need to aid them as if they were your brothers and sisters. -Thank you everyone
basma Posted 2007-11-17
Hi, My name is Basma. I am from Kenitra. I need to do an exposé for college on homeless children. Could you help me, please, and give me your opinion and telling me about your experiences. -Thank you in advance
G Domm Posted 2007-11-30
May I ask if you hava a location in the Agadir area for volunteers = Your reply would be appreciated = G. Domm
سوسو Posted 2007-12-04
Very good topics.
مجهول Posted 2007-12-10
In the name of God, peace and prayer on the best creatures. The phenomenon of vagabondage has become a social catastrophe which has no solution because there are many causes, the only solution that remains is....everyone should educate his children.
elouazzani fatima ezzahra Posted 2007-12-27
What a great subject! I am shocked by the number of homeless children.
hind Posted 2008-01-04
It is sad to see so many children like this.
zahra Posted 2008-01-12
Morocco is the best!
yassine Posted 2008-01-22
Anything for the social protection of homeless children!
انصاف Posted 2008-04-17
Salam alikoum. I am Inssaf, a student. First of all, thank you for this interesting topic which concerns our country in particular. I think that this phenomenon is widely-spread. The government must find solutions. We aspire to seeing our country free from such phenomena which damage us and make us always underdeveloped…Therefore, we must build more houses which host these homeless. Society must also help them…Thank you, I hope that you will add more things about this topic or other topics in future…
Samsaï Posted 2008-05-01
Hello All, I read the article you wrote about the phenomenon of street children or, what UNICEF more commonly calls, “invisible children.” Indeed, this is a serious phenomenon in Morocco, and we need to find solutions that are adapted to each child. I think that the state needs to invest itself more in co-operating with the organisations in the field and foreign NGOs. This should truly involve the local populations because we are the actors of development in our country!
samsaï Posted 2008-05-02
I wrote a comment yesterday evening and it has not been posted! Why? Was this a technical error or was there a real desire to censor it? Please respond.
samsaï Posted 2008-05-05
Thank you for your reply! I hope the dialogue will continue!
Ysabel Posted 2008-06-04
The street children is a social phenomenon whose root comes from their home. Poor countries are not prepare alone to deal with this problem. I think parenting education and support from Social Services will be the first thing to imply. Once the child is on the streets for a long time, it I is hard to rehabilitate them. Saddly, it seems that people have more children and they cannot afford nor only economically but with supervision. Morocco should implement as other countries the ADOPTION as an option to let the abandoned children to leave for good homes with responsible parents.I adopted two children from Central America whose mothers were only 13 and 14 years of age. I love your country. I fall in love of Morocco, and its beautiful people.
el achouri nasreddine Posted 2008-06-12
Greetings, Frankly, it is quite a shame about the children of Morocco. In Islam, this situation is not acceptable. I swear to you that when I am able to, I want to help these children. By God, they are like brothers and sisters and sons and daughters to me. Where is the government? You can see this situation throughout all of Morocco. The question I have is: does somebody will this country wrong? Of course, this is our birthplace and we need to be proud of being Morocco. There is no country like Morocco: Morocco is the only country that has peace and confidence. I know you will tell me there is no confidence in Morocco because there are thieves. We Moroccan people need to avoid such words and take each other hand in hand to capture these thieves. So, please, it is time that we wake up and help His Majesty, King Mohamed VI so that Morocco can develop. Long live Mohamed VI. I am truly proud to be a Moroccan. Long live Morocco!
zakaria Posted 2008-06-12
Thank you. I am a student. I have a lot of physical problems and I have been lost to the streets. My movement is impaired, it is difficult for me to analyse things, my concentration is lacking, I am sick and I have a weak memory. I would like the help of an association or a doctor. My vision is starting to fade. Thank you for registering me.
yasmine Posted 2008-11-22
We need to find a solution for our poor children.
omaima Posted 2008-12-04
All of us need to be up in arms and saying “No more street children!” to the parents who are letting their kids go out on the street.
diae Posted 2008-12-17
Street children truly are poor children.
hassna Posted 2009-01-18
hello eyerybody i'm hassna from fes i have too a presentation about homeless children in morocco next mounth i want some solutions what does the government provided to them? i want to make this presentation in form of interview plz if you know the tecnics of it plz help me and thak you before
elachkoura Posted 2009-02-20
My name is Abdou. I am 18 years old. I lived in Casablanca.
karima Posted 2009-02-20
Salam alaikoum- My name is Karima. I am from Casablanca. Our society is hard because most do not understand others’ situations. There are those who do not understand what it means to be a “street child” or “chamkara”, because they never lived in the street. I say “chamkara” because it is a word and an attitude that, in and of itself, undermines the credibility of a country wanting solidarity. Now, what is of most interest is to correct our views towards them. In this case, we see that the state’s role is the lead role. We need to be practical, to see these people in schools like other children. We are already used to seeing interviews with them on the television, but this is not the solution.
tarik Posted 2009-02-23
Hello everyone- I send a big “Hello!” to Mr Claud. The children in Tamaris are mistreated. I want to know what to do to help them. -Thank you
hanane Posted 2009-03-18
Please, I am seeking research on street children in Morocco. I want to know how we can help street children, please. –Thank you all
IBALINE EL HACHMI Posted 2009-05-05
Before, in the 1960s and 70s and up until the very beginning of the 80s, the phenomenon of street children still had no name here. Let us not forget how our parents acted. Without losing their time philosophising the meaning, and simply going by their culture (inherited, invented or whatever else) as it was in general for all the countries, they were well educated in the sense of helping people and doing right without looking for a reward. What characterised them, moreover, was the way they looked at life: they felt at ease every time they did something good. There were no strangers in the city or on the streets, showing up in the evening only not to be given any help or support or food. The Faqih's food was always ready at the Mosque for strangers. As for children, they were given food and clothes to protect themselves against the cold, never just a shilling. Even with us, our parents’ own children, we were often deprived of money. They would tell us that we did not know its use, and this was true. When we see a child, why don’t we put ourselves in his place or imagine he was one of our children and give him what he would naturally need? And, instead of buying them things, why not exchange something with them that they can sell – this would be better than paying them. The first only offers other people’s money; the second brings them to the state of having their own money. Many people have, in fact, been transformed for the worse because of money they never knew how to use. What we need is for everyone to learn to understand that the human circumstance is overall such that what the street shows the child is what he will reproduce. If he is refused help, then to help he will naturally refuse.
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