Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the life of Bissau-Guinean religious (Quranic) schoolboys during a state of emergency: a qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundCOVID-19 is mainly a disease of adults but can affect vulnerable children indirectly through social containment measures. The study aimed to explore the impact of the pandemic on the lives of Quranic schoolboys, almudos, who beg on behalf of their teachers, chernos, in Guinea-Bissau.MethodsData were collected in July 2020 during a state of emergency. Data rest on semistructured interviews with 14 almudos and observations. The almudos, aged 12–16 years, were identified in the capital Bissau and the regional centre Gabú.ResultsFour interconnected themes were found. The first, hardship, was brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and caused by lockdown and police threats, resulting in a decrease in alms and hunger. The second, circumvention of calamity, included preventive measures the boys undertook and concerns with crowdedness impeding social distancing. Relations with others is the third theme. These had changed with sharply reduced contacts with neighbours and other providers of alms. The parents had more frequent telephone contact with their sons, and encouraged them to continue their studies. At the same time, the chernos and almudos passed more time together, and they dedicated more time than earlier to the studies and prayers. The fourth theme has to do with the boys’ concerns about their long-term aspirations—to complete their studies and become respected chernos, for which begging was seen as an integral part.ConclusionThe almudos suffered from decreased alms, resulting in hunger. COVID-19 was only an additional burden to the boys, who are used to facing challenges while begging to complete their religious education. According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have a right to develop their capabilities in line with their future aspirations. Governments and child rights organisations need to address the specific needs of almudos in respectful collaboration with them, their parents, the chernos and their communities.

Adolescents amid emerging COVID-19 pandemic in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau: a qualitative study

“…School attending adolescents also worried that they would have to repeat the academic school year, as reported elsewhere 43. The pandemic was an additional burden for socially disadvantaged adolescents in Bissau,25 increasing inequality and inequity as found elsewhere within and across countries and continents 44…”

“…The fragile health system struggles to address the needs of the population and combat the COVID-19 pandemic 24. In response to the threat, the government implemented strict restrictions, even before the first two cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on 25 March 2020 24 25. At the time of data collection, 1,614 cases had been confirmed, mainly in Bissau (91%) and 21 deaths 31…”

“…In Guinea-Bissau, in response to the threat of COVID-19, the government declared a state of emergency in March 2020 with the implementation of strict restrictions on free movement, transportation and market activities 24 25. The overall aim of the study was to describe and analyse how adolescents aged 15–17 years in the capital Bissau understood the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic and their lived experiences during a state of emergency.…”

Work‐free childhood to child labour and street life

“…5 During the COVID pandemic, the realisation of such dreams was hampered by lockdown and consequently reduced alms, hunger and tiredness. 6 In Iceland, the custom of sending urban children into the country during the summertime has since the late 19th century been held in high regard by the public and supported and encouraged by the state. 7 Such seasonal movement of children falls under the concept of independent migration of children who move for a varied period or seasonally without the company of a parent or a legal guardian.…”

“…The involved communities have reacted with feelings of discrimination and resentment; for the boys and their families, attending Quran school, which entails begging, is a way to become somebody 5 . During the COVID pandemic, the realisation of such dreams was hampered by lockdown and consequently reduced alms, hunger and tiredness 6 …”