"Freetown's Alien Children: Colonialism, Childcare and Anti-slavery in 19th century Sierra Leone"

The practice of sending children to live in a family home away from their biological parents is extraordinarily common in Sierra Leone. This talk puts the practice of child fosterage in historical context, focusing on an anti-slavery campaign to stamp it out in the mid-19th century. Changing notions of childhood clashed with practices of colonialism, prompting accusations of slave trading. By examining this incident in detail, it is possible to draw out the interconnections between anti-slavery, childcare and colonialism at the heart of the debate over the fate of Freetown’s ‘Alien Children’. This talk is part of the GLC Brown Bag Lunch Series. Bring your lunch and we’ll provide the drinks & dessert.