Premier Wen Jiabao, in a letter to the China Center for the Rehabilitation of Children with Hearing Disability, has called on the whole society to show concerns over all children with disabilities, to help them enjoy a lively childhood and increase their confidence and vigor for life.

 

The premier wrote the letter on the eve of the International Children's Day of June 1, in reply to some kids from the center Wen met during his visit on last year's June 1. The children have written to inform the premier of their progress and convey their kind regards.

 

In his letter, Wen expressed his hope that more?disabled children be able to study in elementary school, when they get rehabilitated after careful medical treatment and education; and kids with hearing and speaking problems are able to hear and speak, when they get over all difficulties with a strong will.

 

The premier promised that more rehabilitation centers for?disabled children will be set up in the future, referring the government's 11th Five-Year Guidelines for the development of undertakings of the disabled population, which was recently approved by the State Council.

 

"How I wish that I would be able to stay with you once again, to hear the best songs you sing and watch the most beautiful paintings you draw," he said with great emotion.

 

Wen, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), also wrote grateful words in the letter, to teachers working for the rehabilitation of children with hearing disability.

 

According to official estimates, China has over 60 million disabled people, over 10 million of them are children.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 1, 2006)