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Some 23 disabled orphans have a new home in Tianjin.
Called Prince of Peace Children's Home and Children Rehabilitation Center, the orphanage is funded by two international charities, the Prince of Peace Foundation (POP's Foundation) and World Vision International (WV).
Prince of Peace marks a first for the country. More flexible recent policies connected with the management of foundations allow more organizations to work with the Chinese Government to help in poverty relief and children-focused work.
"With the insistent help of local government, POP's Foundation and WV brought in advanced management styles and well-trained personnel, which will allow the orphanage to take good care of the disabled orphans," said Li Liguo, vice-minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs Monday at the orphanage's opening ceremony.
Located in Wuqing District of Tianjin, the orphanage and rehabilitation center is filled with people's love for children.
"We are trying to offer orphans younger than six years old comprehensive care and rehabilitative practices to help them grow healthily and upgrade their living capacity," said WV China's Chief Executive Officer Thomas S.T. Chan.
The 23 children, who range in age from six months to three years and 10 months, suffer from complicated inborn illnesses such as cerebral palsy, Down's Syndrome and albinism.
However, in the orphanage, the children, who were abandoned by their parents, are treasured.
"What we do is to make the children know that they are loved and valued, and they are not different from other kids," said WV's President Dean Hirsch.
"We believe they, too, can have a better tomorrow," said Hirsch.
In the orphanage, each nursery governess takes care of three to four children. Everyday, the children are fed five times with food tailor-made for them. In addition, they are divided into several groups to take part in rehabilitation activities and play simple games.
There is a card hung at each baby's bed, with detailed information, ranging from the baby's name to its health condition and hobbies.
"The children are very lovely," said Wang Yunping, a nursery governess who has been working for the orphanage since it opened last November.
"Due to their inborn illnesses, even the oldest baby cannot speak, which really makes it difficult for us to communicate with them. But we can feel their mood and attitude in the expressions in their eyes."
(China Daily July 13, 2004)
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