The city of Tangshan in Hebei, scene of modern China's deadliest earthquake that killed 242,000 people in 1976, has offered to adopt 500 orphans from Sichuan. Shi Yufen, deputy director of Tangshan's Bureau of Civil Affairs said on May 19 that the children will find new, loving homes with 500 local families.

Shi recalled that 4,200 children lost their parents in the 1976 Tangshan earthquake. They were adopted locally and have now grown up into healthy adults with careers and families of their own. Tangshan wants to offer its experience in childcare and adoption to help the children of Sichuan, Shi added.

Tangshan people profoundly understand the importance of helping children who have lost their parents, Shi said. Immediately after the Sichuan earthquake, the city asked the Hebei Department of Civil Affairs to open discussions on the matter with its Sichuan counterparts. After the children are identified, Tangshan will begin the adoption process with 500 local families.

Tangshan's adoption campaign has already received applications from 128 local families. Shi Yufen is sure that local families will offer loving care and warm new homes to the children of Sichuan.

(China.org.cn by Pang Li, May 20, 2008)