The World Day of War Orphans is observed on January 6 every year with an aim to raise awareness about children orphaned in wars. These children are subjected to hardships that are more than just physical neglect after losing their caregivers. It is an important event to note that the aftermath of war are not just harsh on a single part of the society.
This year’s theme is “Standing Up for War-Affected Children” and is meant to focus global attention on the challenges these children face and how to best meet their needs.
The first orphanage in the world to support widows and orphans of war was established by the Romans in 400 A.D. Children whose parents were killed in military service were cared for until the age of eighteen. It was not until the 1800s that with American social reformer Charles Loring Brace, foster care became a popular alternative to orphanages. He worked as the executive secretary of the Children’s Aid Society of New York City for 37 years.
