Home Children

Barnardo boy ploughing C 1900

Home Children house and plaque, Stratford, Ontario

File:Gordon Brown Child Migrant Apology 24 February 2010.webm Home Children refers to the child migration scheme founded in the United Kingdom, which saw over 100,000 children sent to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa from the late 19th century until the late 20th century. This movement was initiated by philanthropic organizations and was intended to provide children from impoverished backgrounds with a better life, often in the form of labor on farms or in domestic service. However, the program has been criticized for instances of neglect, abuse, and the forced separation of siblings.

Background

The origins of the Home Children program can be traced back to the social and economic conditions of the United Kingdom during the 19th century. The Industrial Revolution had led to widespread poverty and overcrowding in cities. Philanthropic organizations, such as the Barnardo's and the Church of England Waifs and Strays Society, saw emigration as a solution to these problems, believing that the children would benefit from the healthier lifestyle and more abundant opportunities available in the British colonies.

Operation

Children, often from workhouses or orphanages, were selected for emigration. Before departure, they were sometimes given basic training in agricultural or domestic work to prepare them for their future roles. The selection and emigration process was overseen by various organizations, with the Children's Friend Society being one of the first to engage in such activities. The children were usually sent to Canada, which was the primary destination due to its demand for agricultural labor and its status as a British colony.

Upon arrival, the children were placed in homes or with families who expected them to work as farm laborers or domestic servants. The receiving families were supposed to provide the children with care, education, and a moral upbringing, in addition to teaching them a trade or profession.

Controversy and Legacy

The Home Children program has been the subject of controversy. While some children did indeed find better lives and opportunities, others suffered from neglect, abuse, and exploitation. The separation from their families and homeland, along with the harsh conditions some experienced, left lasting scars on many of the children.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to recognize and commemorate the experiences of Home Children. Efforts have been made to uncover their stories, and memorials have been established in countries such as Canada to honor their contributions and acknowledge the hardships they endured.

Modern Recognition

The governments of the countries involved have begun to acknowledge the injustices faced by some of the Home Children. Apologies and statements of regret have been issued, and research into the program and its impacts continues to shed light on this chapter of history.

See Also

• Child migration
• Barnardo's
• Industrial Revolution
• Workhouse

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