An Almajiri's Reality

This is a narrative exploration of the Almajiri experience, dissecting how systemic abandonment and religious conditioning shape the identities and survival tactics of discarded youth.

by Victoria Ogbechia

Part 1

The infidel's tear

“Go away!” ​“Dan Allah mallama, ina ji yunwa,” I said, emphasizing my hunger and need for help, no matter how small. ​“Don't bother me, Dan iska. Abi na me born you? All these useless Almajiri,” she…

VVictoria OgbechiaJuly 4, 20264 min readIdentityCommunity

Part 2

A holy blindness

​I woke up to the call for Subhi. I immediately performed my ablution and jogged to the mosque opposite Mallam Bilyamin's ungwa for congregational prayer. With my forehead pressed to the mat, I asked…

VVictoria OgbechiaJuly 4, 20264 min readIdentityCommunity

Part 3

A Borrowed Fate

As I crouched behind the rusted kiosk, lost in my thoughts and trying to understand what my mind was playing at, a sharp pain at the back of my head pulled me out of my reverie. I turned around. One o…

VVictoria OgbechiaJuly 4, 20263 min readIdentityCommunity