A year ago, I wrote about why it is important for children in institutions to be allowed to celebrate their birthday (HERE). That it impacts their sense of self-worth and of identity if this is not allowed. Today, on another birthday of mine, I want to look at children who do not even have a birthday. They may not be aware of the date of their birth, or no one may be aware of it, because their birth was never registered.
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I Have a Birthday, Therefore I Am
Today is my birthday. When you are in your fifth decade, this does not hold all that much significance anymore. It is nice to get friendly wishes, but other than that it is just another day, one filled with work and the drive to get more done for the children.
The situation is very different for children who live in institutions. Generally speaking, birthdays and becoming older are more important to children than they are to adults. But for children who live in institutions there is more to a birthday than that. Their birthday and the absence of any celebration have an important impact on their sense of worth and their identity.
Continue reading “I Have a Birthday, Therefore I Am”