Research Overview

This thesis provides a cultural appraisal of the Al-Majiri child scholar as a lens to explore the causes, consequences and societal implications of the marginalisation of the Al-Majiri. Employing a multimodal approach, the research integrates postcolonial theory, polyphony, and advocacy as analytical frameworks, supplemented by interviews to enrich its methodology. The novel study focuses on the representation of the Al-Majiri in Born on a Tuesday, No Sweat, Songs of Almajiri, Kasko and ‘Dan Al-Majiri’. Through the analyses of these poems, film, song and prose works, the research offers fresh insights on the Al-Majiri scholarship. It investigates how imaginative art serves as a potent medium for conveying the lived experiences, struggles, and aspirations of Al-Majirai. It seeks to provide insights for scholars, policymakers, and the public, fostering a deeper understanding of the lives and identities of these marginalised Al-Majirai. The thesis further evaluates how cultural representations can influence government policy and shift public perceptions of theAl-Majiri. Ultimately, the study highlights literature’s dual role as a mirror of societal concerns and a catalyst for change, advocating for its transformative potential in addressing the complexities of the Al-Majiri education system. To communicate with the general public, the thesis concludes with a lay summary.