Tianjin

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

Tianjin, situated about 100km south-east of the capital Beijing, is home to over 14 million people. The city is growing rapidly. Its proximity to the capital and to the sea, as well as the creation of free trading zones have resulted in numerous companies moving to the area. The rapid rate of industrialization has resulted in polluted water which not only affects farming and fishing, but also leads to poor health in people living or working near sources of contamination.

Since 1987, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Tianjin.

1,250
Women trafficked between 2017-2020

Large gender imbalance

A large imbalance in the male-to-female ratio adds to challenges in China’s social life. There are 30-40 million more men than women. The situation varies from one region to another. Women and girls from low-income provinces in the south-west move or are brought to rural areas in the east for marriage. Between 2017 and 2020, courts handled trafficking cases involving at least 1,250 women, and many more cases go undocumented. Forced into these vulnerable situations, women and children often experience abuse and violence because their rights aren’t protected.

5%
Of surface water is usable as drinking source in Tianjin

Water pollution and health

In Tianjin, the major northern port city, under 5% of surface water is safe to drink. Pollution in major cities due to industrial activities has made their water unfit for human consumption. Local governments fail to monitor and regulate the hazardous waste disposal by companies into bodies of water. Limited access to clean water and sanitation impacts the health, education of children and every other aspect of their lives. Women, girls and people with disabilities especially depend on proper sanitation and clean water for good health, and it enables participation in areas of life such as school and work.

Your support makes a difference for children in Tianjin

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.
40
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
5
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children cooking together. We show children and young people how to cook basic dishes so that they can look after themselves when they grow up (photo: SOS Children’s Villages China).

How your support helps in Tianjin

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.