China struggles to upgrade child welfare

The deadly fire in Henan province, which took the lives of seven orphans last Friday, has exposed major weakness in the child welfare system in China. The shelter was run by a good samaritan in her own home for over 20 years. But she did this without any license. The lack of infrastructure, funds and professional personnel are believed to be among the failings which led to the tragedy.

Seventeen children have found a home in this courtyard facility, called Alenah's Home. The NGO cares for the medical needs of disabled children and orphans, while providing a loving, cozy place to live.

Zhang Wen, director of Children's Hope Foundation, said,"We aim to create an atmosphere or environment, that is family-like, which means attachment between each individual adult and child."

Zhang Wen says the emotional bond is essential for kids to pull through. Most of them have been identified with varying degrees of congenital heart disease, tumors and other illnesses. Being transferred to Beijing means a better chance of better medical treatment.

Care-takers and volunteers make sure each child is well-cared for.

Volunteer said,"I work in a nearby hospital. I come here every week to check on the children. I also kept a journal of their health conditions. "

Zhang Nini, Beijing, said,"Alenah's Home is among the many charity organizations providing fund to help with medical treatment for disabled children and orphans in China. Their operation relies primarily on the good wills of donors and volunteers. Facilities like this proved to be a great supplement to government-run welfare houses."

China has stepped up building welfare facilities since 2006. About 65,000 beds were added nationwide. By 2010, the country's orphan population stood at 650,000, and it's still growing.

Those who cannot find a place in government run facilities, turn to private, unregistered shelters, like the one in Henan.

Wang Zhenyao, Beijing Normal University, said,"It's a tragedy of the system. What happened in Henan alerted us of the urgency to mend the defects. China is among the few countries in the world that does not have a law to protect child welfare. An administrative branch in this regard is also lacking, as is professional staff. New York City alone has more than 10,000 staff and volunteers working in child welfare, more than the whole of China."

The former civil affairs official says NGOs have played a significant part where government fails.

Wang Zhenyao said,"Yuan Lihai is not alone. There's never a shortage of people or organizations wanting to care, or are now working to improve child welfare. The key now is for the government to reach out to these organizations and individuals, solve their difficulties, provide subsidies and training, and set up the management criteria. Without a system in place, the tragedy in Henan is bound to repeat. "

Volunteers continue to come to Alenah's Home. Their love and attention are essential to help the little ones get hold of their futures.