Nanchang

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages China).

Nanchang is the largest city of the southern Chinese province of Jiangxi and is home to over 3.8 million people. The city has grown rapidly in recent years due to the flourishing economy. Many people are employed in manufacturing or in the processing of food and paper. Agriculture, especially rice farming, continues to be an important source of income and employment. The city is well connected and has several ports where goods leave and enter the region.

Since 1993, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Nanchang.

75%
Dependency ratio estimated by 2055

Rising dependency ratio

The working population in China has to prepare to support an increasing number of elderly dependents as the country ages. China’s dependency ratio will likely exceed 75% by 2055. This means there is a high ratio of dependents (people younger than 15 or older than 64) to the working-age population (those aged 15 to 64). Because there are fewer dependent children than there are elderly, young people who will soon enter the workforce will have to support an ever-growing elderly population. However, youth participation in the labour force has been falling.

30M
Children struggle with emotional and behavioural problems

Health challenges

The access to, and quality of, healthcare varies in China. The more developed coastal cities have good neonatal and infant care, but the situation is different in rural areas or those in the west of the country. In these regions, malnutrition increases the risk of other illnesses and many younger children die from pneumonia and diarrhea. Mental health challenges are increasingly present among young people in China: an estimated 30 million children and adolescents under 17 struggle with emotional or behavioural problems.

Your support makes a difference for children in Nanchang

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
50
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
20
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children and young people in our care go to school and do trainings to that they can live independently in the future (photo: SOS Children’s Villages China).

How your support helps in Nanchang

Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.