Qiqihar

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

The industrial town of Qiqihar is located in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang. It has over 1.6 million inhabitants and is a major economic and cultural centre. Industry, agriculture and the production of timber are the main sources of income for the province. Its location, on the border with Russia, makes it a busy site for trade. Qiqihar itself has been growing in recent years: as the economy flourishes, people from rural areas move to the city in search of a better life. However, many of these people have ended up living in slum conditions which are unsafe and where there is little basic infrastructure.

Since 1992, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Qiqihar.

8.4%
Of inhabitants in the region live in poverty

Harsh living conditions

Over 2 million people in the northeastern region live in poverty. At 8.4%, the poverty rate in Heilongjiang province is 2.7% higher than the national average. Amid a general property boom, housing supply is tight and prices are rising. Many low-income families therefore live in shantytowns under unfavorable conditions. Many children have lost parental care. They live with their grandparents or with other relatives. The absence of a regular source of income means that families struggle to meet their children's needs. Not only do children lack nutritious food, but they also fail to receive an education, which will give them the chance to break the cycle of poverty.

85%
Of people who are disabled don’t have secondary education

Disability and exclusion

Disability and poverty in China go hand in hand. Individuals living with disabilities do not receive the support they need to support themselves. An estimated 85 million people, of those five million children, live with disabilities in China. Most live in the countryside, where due to the absence of trained teachers and healthcare professionals, children with disabilities from a low-income background often lack access to quality education and healthcare. In China, 85% of people living with a disability have not received education above middle school level. This often leads to lower productivity levels and unemployment.

Your support makes a difference for children in Qiqihar

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.
300
Children
Learn at our kindergarten
70
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
40
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children spend a lot of time together. They often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages China).

How your support helps in Qiqihar

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.