Junior care is child's play for seniors

Meaning and progress

Deng Lihong signed up for the program as soon as she saw the recruitment advertisement.

At 3:30 every Monday afternoon, the 66-year-old collects children from school and stays with them as they do their homework and play in the community room until their parents pick them up.

"This is exactly what I've wanted to do since retirement, and I see nothing to boast about. I feel young when I'm with the kids, and my retired life is meaningful," she said. "The initiator (of the program) has done a really good thing!"

Cui Jingqin has been sending Wu Ruili, her 10-year-old son, to the community since the program started. The 40-year-old self-employed laborer said her parents-in-law are in poor health and need to be cared for. Moreover, she and her husband don't have enough time or education to help with their son's studies.

"The learning atmosphere here is good. My son has made progress this semester, especially in math," Cui said.

Huang Zejun retired from her job as a government employee in 2001 and now lives alone.

"It's a matter of social concern: If the young people are strong, the country will be strong," the 74-year-old said. She noted that children who lack the love and care of pre-occupied family members, as well as society, are more likely to experience loneliness and depression, which could result in social problems.

Peng Mei, secretary of the Party committee of Shipingcun community, said: "We mobilize retired senior women in the community to participate in this public service. The interactions between the families in need and the shared grannies are mutually beneficial. The sense of fulfillment and happiness means a lot to them."

Cao Yidan, chairman of the center, said, "The team is still expanding."

This semester, the primary school will provide after-class services every workday, so the center is seeking further cooperation with the school and families.

"Shared services for the grannies to take the children to and from school or 'shared lectures' might be a direction to go in. As the saying goes: 'A friend nearby is better than a relative far away'," Cao said. "I want to link all the residents in the community to produce an interdependent model for young and old."