The document discusses the origins and operations of schools started by churches and volunteers for destitute children. It notes there were initially just 16 schools but that number grew to 176, with the goals of providing education, instilling a work ethic, and developing potential in destitute children, as well as helping reform problematic children by waking them at 6 AM and sending them to bed at 7 PM. The schools served destitute children who had not committed serious crimes, while children who came before a court could be sent to a reformatory.