In 2005, Senegal banned a huge industry of child exploitation veiled as apprenticeship.

 

But though illegal, Talibés — Arabic for apprentice — are still mistreated in the West African country. Families send their children to a traditional school known as a ‘daara’ to learn Arabic and study the Koran alongside a spiritual guide or teacher referred to as a ‘marabout’. In exchange, they’re often made to beg on the streets for rice, sugar and money.

 

 

Director and Cinematographer: Quentin BRUNO

Edit and Sound: TIKACHU

Color Grading: Virgil LECLERQ

Fixers and Translators: Mamadou GUEYE and Becaye SALL

 

 

This movie was made possible with the Vocatio Fondation, l'aide à la Promotion-Diffusion du centre du cinéma et de l'audiovisuel, and Association Culture et Developpement.