Putian

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

Putian is located on the coast in the southeastern province of Fujian, and is home to around 2 million people. The city has one of the fastest growing economies in the region; manufacturing, especially the production of shoes, being the mainstay. The city's ports provide a vital service for the export of goods. People living in the areas around the city also live off agriculture and fishing. Historically, Fujian was an economically underdeveloped region, and there was therefore a special need to provide support for children who had lost parental care.

Since 1999, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Putian.

20%
Of top-ranking university students are from rural China

Gap between rich and poor

Many workers move to Putian from less prosperous areas in search of jobs. But the rapid rate of industrialization and urbanization has resulted in problems relating to infrastructure, such as affordable housing. Although the government has invested in programmes to promote employment and housing across China, not everyone has benefited from the improved standards of living. For example, in 2019 less than one fifth of new undergraduates at the top-ranked Tsinghua University were from rural areas. In urban areas like Putian, many children who have moved here from other areas live in poverty. These children frequently suffer from ill health and malnutrition, and some drop out of school at an early age.

500M
People aged 18-65 do not have a high school diploma

A need for more education

China’s labour force has the largest share of workers without a high-school diploma of any middle-income country. In China, 500 million people between the ages of 18 and 65 do not have a high school diploma. For many decades, investment in infrastructure and manufacturing was high and unskilled wages stayed low. However, with recent changes, there is an increase in demand for workers with different skills and educational backgrounds. At the same time, young people from less advantageous backgrounds, find it increasingly hard to access quality education and better positions in the job market.

Your support makes a difference for children in Putian

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.
490
Children
Learn at our kindergarten
70
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
50
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
In the evenings and during weekends, children and young people often do school work at home (photo: SOS Children’s Villages China).

How your support helps in Putian

Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school..
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.