Child Migrant Voices in Modern Britain

Oral Histories 1930s-Present Day

Eithne Nightingale

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Year: 2024
• ISBN:
  9781350332621
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Geschichte
• Subtopic: Weltgeschichte

Almost half the people displaced worldwide are under 18, yet their voices are rarely heard. This book records the experiences of children arriving in Britain from Hitler's Europe in the 1930s to those escaping war in Ukraine in 2022. It follows the journeys of war-traumatised children from Mogadishu to Mile End and from Syria to a Scottish isle. Some followed their parents to the 'motherland' from the former British Empire. Others came independently to escape forced marriage or military conscription. These powerful testimonies shed light on children's motivations, trials and achievements, including in adult life, providing critical insight into how the British – both individually and collectively – have welcomed or shunned child migrants. Importantly, Eithne Nightingale links these stories with contemporary issues such as the Windrush Scandal and Britain's Illegal Migration Act 2023. Situated in its historical and political context, Child Migrant Voices in Modern Britain makes vital reading for those studying modern British history, migration and human rights as well as those working with child migrants. It will also appeal to a general audience interested in inspirational life stories. For more information on the book, related events and to watch award-winning films on child migration see childmigrantstories.com.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Halftitle Page
• Title Page
• Dedication Page
• Contents
• List of illustrations
• Acknowledgements
• Biography
• Introduction
• 1 “If then, why not now?”
• 2 No man’s land
• 3 Precious cargo
• 4 Following mum to the ‘motherland’
• 5 “I much prefer roasted rat”
• 6 The Battle of Brick Lane
• 7 A Pakistani Scot with a Mid-Atlantic drawl
• 8 Out of her depth
• 9 A child soldier who knew too much
• 10 “Caught in a flow of water”
• 11 Love of the motherland
• 12 Girl power – finding a talent and following a dream
• 13 On her own
• 14 “Home is where the love is”
• 15 Seeking sanctuary on a Scottish Island
• 16 “We will win”
• Conclusion
• Notes
• Index
• Imprint