The Almajiri system in northern Nigeria requires children to leave their homes to study the Qur’an under local Islamic teachers. Often, they lack adequate parental care or structured support. While rooted in cultural and religious traditions, the system increasingly exposes many Almajiri children to hunger, malnutrition, and insecurity. As a result, their physical growth, cognitive development, and ability to learn suffer.
Recognizing these challenges, Murmushi People’s Development Foundation (MPDF) launched the Murmushi Almajiri Support Initiative (MASI). This program aims to improve the well-being of Almajiri children through consistent access to nutritious meals. In 2025, MASI plans to provide weekly Friday meals to more than 2,000 children across Adamawa State. Consequently, the program helps restore dignity, promote health, and support education.
Moreover, MASI integrates WASH education into each session. Through interactive presentations and demonstrations, Almajiri children learn key hygiene and sanitation practices, such as handwashing, dishwashing, safe water use, and personal cleanliness. This approach encourages lasting healthy habits and improves overall well-being.
Previously, MASI successfully implemented a similar project in Mubi North LGA. You can read more about the previous implementation here↗︎