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Background COVID-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. Methods Data were collected in July 2020 during a state of emergency. Data rest on semistructured interviews with 14almudosand observations. Thealmudos, aged 12–16 years, were identified in the capital Bissau and the regional centre Gabú. Results Four 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, thechernosandalmudospassed 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 respectedchernos, for which begging was seen as an integral part. Conclusion Thealmudossuffered 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 ofalmudosin respectful collaboration with them, their parents, thechernosand their communities.
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