The “Almost Forgotten Children” How did 100,000 children arrive in Canada to WORK? 

Speaker:  Joan Knighton
Joan is a former teacher, nurse and Ortho Tech. and now is loving the lecture circuit!!  Joan, a proud direct descendant of a British Home Child, will describe their lives and the outcome.

BRITISH HOME CHILDREN

The Origin:
Driven by urban overcrowding and poverty in the Victorian era, charities like Dr. Barnardo’s and the Salvation Army relocated these children to rural Canada to supply cheap agricultural and domestic labor.

The Reality:
Only a small percentage were true orphans. Placed with rural Canadian families, some were treated well, but many others suffered severe neglect, physical abuse, and isolation.

The Aftermath:
The program was largely unregulated. Many Home Children served heroically in the World Wars, and it is estimated that about 10% of the Canadian population today has descended from these child migrants

Photo Source:  Home Children Canada