Orphanages and boarding schools in Khakassia during the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945)

The article is devoted to the conditions for the functioning of orphanages and boarding schools in Khakassia during the Great Patriotic War. The work is based on archival sources, most of which are introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. During the war years, the number of orphanages sharply increased due to the evacuated children’s institutions and the growing number of homeless and neglected children in the region. The main attention in the article is paid to the problems of welfare support to the children in orphanages. Numerous examples showed that underfunding, insufficient supplies and a weak material base were typical for most orphanages and boarding schools in Khakassia. It is indicated that the food problem was partially solved by subsidiary farms, called for to become an additional source of food for orphanages and boarding schools. Unsatisfactory medical care and unsanitary conditions in many children’s institutions caused the spread of highly infectious diseases among the pupils. The threat of epidemic outbreaks in children’s institutions intensified the work of medical workers. Sanitary and hygienic measures in orphanages were aimed at controlling infectious diseases. The lack and some-times the absence of qualified teachers significantly complicated the educational process and worsened discipline. The appointment of persons without pedagogical experience and knowledge as heads of orphanages worsened the situation. By the end of the war, the issue of specialists began to be resolved through training and advanced training of employees. Enterprises, institutions, collective farms, public organizations, and citizens provided substantial material and welfare support to the children in orphanages. Monetary, food, and clothing funds were engaged in fundraising to support orphaned children.

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