Gansu's pairing program expands family care for vulnerable groups

As Gansu province's "Pairing Assistance Caring Gansu" initiative marks its third anniversary since its launch in May 2023, it has evolved into one of China's most extensive grassroots social care systems, built on sustained, people-centered engagement with vulnerable groups.

The program has paired more than 25,000 CPC Party members and officials with 267,000 residents in need, including orphans, children in difficult circumstances, persons with severe disabilities and households facing extreme hardship, supported by the participation of communities, enterprises, social organizations and volunteers.

Over the past three years, the initiative has recorded over 4.25 million interactions and 2.8 million home visits, forming a web of continuous contact that links policy implementation with everyday life.

Increasingly viewed as a governance model that blends institutional guarantees with long-term emotional care, the program reflects a shift from traditional assistance toward sustained, relationship-based emotional support rooted in human connection.

Through this initiative, Xu Bin, deputy director of the Party Conduct and Government Supervision Office of the Gansu Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision, became the "caring father" of Haohao, a boy from Gulang county raised by his elderly grandfather after losing parental care.

During visits, Xu not only provided daily necessities but also emphasized companionship and encouragement. "Winter is here. I bought you five thick jackets and a pair of sneakers. Most importantly, study hard and take care of yourself," he told Haohao, while also helping to arrange medical support for his grandfather.

As Haohao prepared for his high school entrance examinations, Xu coordinated with teachers, followed up on his studies, and took part in school-parent communication as a guardian. The boy eventually improved his performance and was admitted to his preferred high school. Xu later wrote: "May you carry dreams in your heart, light in your eyes, and strength beneath your feet."

Xu said the experience showed that such assistance is "not charity, but companionship that brings family warmth to children who lack it". He added that the experience had also become "a valuable lesson" for his own child.

Another participant is Li Chao, financial manager at Gansu Public Aviation Travel Financial Capital Group, who became a "caring mother" to 6-year-old Ruirui in Yongjing county. The child, raised by elderly grandparents, lives in a household where the mother has cognitive impairments.

During her first visit, Li focused on simple but intimate acts of care, helping the child wash, trim nails and change clothes, while providing daily necessities. These gestures quickly helped build trust. "When entering this family, what is needed most is genuine sincerity, step by step dissolving barriers and gradually easing away defensiveness," said Li.

She later expanded her role into long-term family support, visiting regularly with her husband, who volunteered to become Ruirui's "caring father". The couple often organized outings during holidays to broaden the child's experiences. Her own daughter also formed a close bond with Ruirui, and the two gradually became like sisters.

Officials said the case reflects a shift from individual pairing to "family-to-family" support, strengthening emotional bonds alongside material assistance.

As the program enters its fourth year, Gansu is expanding participation beyond government departments, encouraging greater involvement from communities, social organizations and volunteers. The initiative is increasingly seen as a long-term mechanism that combines social governance with sustained human connection.