The Almajiri Foundation of Nigeria has applauded the Federal Government for initiating the Almajiri Model School scheme.
In a statement in Kano on Friday, the National Chairman of the association, Yusuf Hassan, described the programme as ``a noble idea which the foundation and all Northerners had been yearning for. ’’
According to him, the scheme was in line with the cardinal principles and objectives of the Almajiri Foundation of Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation.
Hassan, who decried the untold hardship being experienced by young Almajiri, said that they were not adequately taken care of in the society.
He said: ``they roam about dangerously between fast moving vehicles in tattered clothes begging for food and money. ”
He expressed optimism that the programme if sustained would completely rehabilitate the Almajiri by educating them in both religious and secular education, so that they could contribute to national development.
The chairman urged all state governments to ensure the construction of such Almajiri schools in each local government area of their respective states.
Hassan also implored the private sector and wealthy individuals to contribute their quota to the success of the scheme.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan had on April 10 inaugurated one of the schools at Gagi in Sokoto State.
TheNation