Barnardo, Thomas John (1845-1905), founded Doctor Barnardo’s homes for needy children. In his homes, children were given an opportunity to better their lives. They were taught a trade and encouraged to emigrate from the United Kingdom, especially to Canada and Australia.
Barnardo was born in Dublin, Ireland, on July 4, 1845. He went to London in 1866 to study as a medical missionary and was dismayed by the miserable living conditions in the slums. Therefore, while still a student, he founded the East End Juvenile Mission for poor children. He opened his first home in 1870, in Stepney, London. He died on Sept. 19, 1905. Today, Barnardo’s provides residential and nonresidential care and support for children in need, in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
