My stolen childhood, and a life to rebuild | Sheila Humphries | TEDxPerth

Summary

This poignant narrative recounts the speaker's traumatic childhood in an Australian orphanage, where they faced neglect, forced labor, and the pain of losing their mother. Despite these challenges, the speaker found hope through love and education, ultimately pursuing a career in community services to help children in similar situations. Their story reflects resilience and the transformative power of healing and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of education and support in overcoming adversity. The speaker's journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the potential for change and the impact of compassion.

Takeaways

• 😢 The narrator was placed in an orphanage at four years old by their mother, seeking education.
• 😞 The family was torn apart due to systemic racism, with the narrator and their sister removed because of the color of their skin.
• 🚨 The children were arrested and handcuffed upon leaving the orphanage, highlighting the unjust treatment they faced.
• 😔 The death of the narrator's mother was delivered insensitively by a caregiver, leaving a lasting emotional scar.
• 😓 Life in the orphanage involved forced labor, neglect, and a lack of medical care, creating a harsh environment.
• 👎 The narrator describes the cruelty of the institution, including inadequate clothing and unsanitary living conditions.
• 😖 The children were subjected to physical punishment, leading to injuries and trauma that persisted into adulthood.
• 🤱 Despite challenges, the narrator became a mother and faced fears of losing their children, reminiscent of their own experiences.
• 📝 The narrator found healing through writing about their childhood, which eventually led them to pursue further education.
• ❤️ The narrator dedicated their life to helping vulnerable children, aiming to make a positive impact and prevent similar experiences for others.

Q & A

What circumstances led the storyteller to be placed in the orphanage?

The storyteller was placed in the orphanage at the age of four by their mother due to perceived educational inadequacies, primarily stemming from the color of their skin.

How did the storyteller feel about their mother's actions regarding their placement?

The storyteller felt abandoned and traumatized, especially after being arrested and handcuffed when they left the orphanage.

What types of labor did the children in the orphanage perform?

The children were forced to do laundry and other menial tasks for the Old Mission, often under harsh conditions and without proper supervision.

Can you describe a significant injury that occurred in the laundry?

The storyteller recounts an incident where their sister's arm was caught in a laundry machine, resulting in severe burns that were treated poorly by the staff.

What was the children's living situation like in the orphanage?

The children lived in poor conditions, wore the same clothes for an entire week, and bathed infrequently in shared water.

How did the orphanage provide food to the children?

Food was scarce and often consisted of poor-quality scraps, including maggot-infested meat and limited vegetable options.

What forms of punishment did the children face in the orphanage?

Punishments included physical reprimands such as being hit with sticks or kneeling with outstretched arms, which caused lasting physical discomfort.

What motivated the storyteller to pursue education later in life?

The storyteller was motivated by the desire to improve their own life and the lives of their children, wanting to ensure they received the education they were denied.

How did the storyteller cope with the trauma of their past?

They coped by revisiting their past with the support of their husband, writing down their experiences, and seeking forgiveness and closure.

What impact did the storyteller hope to have by working with children in similar situations?

The storyteller aimed to help at least one child overcome their challenges, believing that their efforts would make a significant difference in that child's life.