Camila Batmanghelidjh, the founder of the legendary Kids Company, a children's charity that became one of the UK's best known and most powerful campaigners for disadvantaged children, has passed away at 61.
Batmanghelidjh was known for her charisma, vibrant clothes, and vocal advocacy for children's social justice.
Batmanghelidjh Dies at 61
Batmanghelidjh has been ill for several months, although she recovered recently. However, she died peacefully on New Year's Day.
Her family announced, "It is with great sadness that the family of Camila Batmanghelidjh announce her passing. She died peacefully in her sleep the night of 1 January, following a birthday celebration with her family."
They praised Batmanghelidjh's dedication to advocating for Britain's most vulnerable children. She was also the founder of Place2Be, which seeks a safer environment for children and young people to fulfill their potential.
Alan Yentob, the broadcaster and former chair of Kids Company, who worked closely with Batmanghelidjh over many years, was also devastated by the news. She said that she would be missed as thousands of children's lives were transformed by her work.
Batmanghelidjh's family added that working alongside her devoted colleagues and dedicated volunteers and donors, she improved the lives of tens of thousands of children and young people in London and Bristol.
Furthermore, she showed these children neglected by a failing child protection system that they were worthy of love and support.
Rev Steve Chalke, the founder of the Oasis academy trust, which worked with Batmanghelidjh post-Kids Company, said her wisdom and love had inspired traumatized and disadvantaged kids at Oasis.
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Kids Company's Issues
Batmanghelidjh was born in Iran and became prominent in the UK after setting up Kids Company in south London in the 1990s to support impoverished children.
In 2015, the charity closed down when accusations of sexual abuse and financial mismanagement surfaced. It had already received a substantial grant for the year and was handed another $3 million despite it being deemed not value for money.
Later, the police investigated the allegations and found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Batmanghelidjh continued working with families in need and partnered with other charities despite the charity's closure, including Oasis Community Learning, which was currently one of the biggest multi-academy trusts in England.
Along with JK Rowling and Theresa May, she received numerous honors and was listed in a 2013 list of the 100 most powerful women in the UK by BBC Radio 4. She was also awarded a CBE for services to children and young people.
She has authored multiple publications on the subject of early-life traumatizing events in children, including abuse and neglect. She included case studies of the most horrific forms of abuse, such as rape and persistent childhood violence, in her book 'Kids: Child Protection in Britain.'
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