Modern British children face many of the same problems as those living 150 years ago, the chief executive of Barnardo’s has claimed.
In a speech at Salford University to mark the charity’s 150th anniversary, Javed Khan said many children in the 21st Century were still at risk of exploitation and trafficking.
“Back in 1866 Dr Thomas Barnardo felt driven to provide shelter, education and hope to the children society had forgotten. …Although the manifestations of poverty and desperation have changed, many of the core problems remain.”
Mr Khan continued:
“Sadly, in every part of the UK today there are children whose families can’t look after them; children who have been sexually abused or exploited; and young people without the opportunities they need to forge the future they deserve.”
The chief executive, a former student of the university, went on to discuss the charity’s work, both in the Salford area and across the UK.
Irish philanthropist Thomas Barnardo opened the first Barnardos home in the east of London, to care for children who had been left orphaned and destitute after an outbreak of cholera.
