Mark and Caroline Cook's bold move to close orphanages sparks debate on child welfare
- Mark and Caroline Cook began their humanitarian efforts in Bosnia in early 1994, motivated by the tragic conditions faced by children traumatized by war.
- They expanded their mission to Albania in 1997, converting dilapidated orphanages into caring homes for children in need.
- Their work has inspired broader awareness of the impact of familial disconnection in orphanages and ongoing efforts to close such institutions.
In early 1994, Mark Cook, a former commander of the British contingent in the UN protection force during the Balkans war, began a mission in Bosnia to help war-affected children. Inspired by Michael Nicholson's book 'Natasha's Story', Mark's vision was to address the dire situation in orphanages where he witnessed severe neglect. After visiting the Bjelave orphanage, he and his partner Caroline Cook, who shared the same passion and commitment, aimed to restore hope and dignity to the children living in appalling conditions. As the Cooks expanded their efforts, they transitioned to Albania in 1997, where they encountered significant challenges stemming from 40 years of communist rule, which left orphanages in a disastrous state. The Cooks mobilized resources and support, converting a dilapidated building into a welcoming home for children where they could receive love, care, and attention. Their commitment extended beyond just providing shelter; they actively engaged with the children and helped to foster human connections that had been severed due to the aftermath of war. While working in various countries, including Romania, the Cooks discovered that many of the children placed in orphanages were not truly orphaned but were separated from their families due to war and poverty. They noted that approximately 80% of these children had living relatives but had lost contact amidst the chaos of conflict. This insight drove their ongoing efforts to reunite families and advocate for a more compassionate approach toward child protection in crisis-affected regions. As Mark and Caroline entered their eighties, they began delegating the day-to-day operations of their charity, Helping Hands for Children (HHfC), to the chief executive, Mark Waddington. Despite their reduced role, their commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable children remained steadfast, especially in light of recent crises, such as the situation in Ukraine, where the immediate response of placing children in orphanages risks repeating past mistakes. The Cooks' legacy of compassion and proactive intervention has had a significant impact on the lives of countless children across the Balkans and beyond.