In the wake of last week's deadly earthquake, thousands of Chinese are eagerly offering their homes to the more than 4,000 children who are now orphans. It's a surprising response in a country that has not encouraged adoption in the past.

"Some Chinese, reached this week by phone, said they want to adopt because they are unable to have a child of their own. Some see a chance to have a rare second child despite China's strict one-child policy. And some, like Wang [Liqin], whose own baby didn't survive childbirth this year, understand loss and want to help."

The outpouring of love and sympathy from the Chinese means that foreigners may not have a chance to adopt many of the orphaned children. Before any of the children are officially named "orphans," Chinese officials will try to reunite them with family members. Though current estimates put the number of orphans at 4,000, the actual figure can't be calculated while recovery efforts are still in the "search and rescue" phase. Source: Fox News

Labels: orphanages, China, natural_disasters

Posted By: Aspen Education Group