‘Begging only option to feed my children’
The sweltering heat and humidity has not stopped Zahra from sitting near a Sanad-based pharmacy to seek alms. Her four children, however, were nowhere to be found.
The Tribune had earlier visited the site and found sisters Mona, 10, and Zahra, 8, begging. The rest of the family – Mohammed, 7, Ali, 4, and Zakina, 8, – were found sitting outside a nearby bank.
Zahra says she has no intention of asking her children to accompany her to beg because the academic year has started. She says she can continue to feed her children only by seeking alms.
‘Begging only option to feed my children’
The sweltering heat and humidity has not stopped Zahra from sitting near a Sanad-based pharmacy to seek alms. Her four children, however, were nowhere to be found.
The Tribune had earlier visited the site and found sisters Mona, 10, and Zahra, 8, begging. The rest of the family – Mohammed, 7, Ali, 4, and Zakina, 8, – were found sitting outside a nearby bank.
Zahra says she has no intention of asking her children to accompany her to beg because the academic year has started. She says she can continue to feed her children only by seeking alms.
“I do not see anything wrong sitting here in a corner and asking for a little money from people passing by. I applied for jobs and I was told that I had no experience or qualifications.
“No one is willing to hire me for training either. Begging is the only way to oursleves alive. I got married and was widowed early; I have to think of ways to earn money for my children,” Zahra said.
“I want my children to get a good education so they would not end up like me. Now that schools have reopened, I want them to concentrate on studies. It hurts when I see people staring at them, asking them questions. My family has to eat at least a meal a day and if I do not beg, we will all starve. I have no one else to turn to,” Zahra said.
Ayla Marisse G Ginete
Article from: Bahrain Tribune Newspaper-
