Wenchuan quake orphan struggles to carry on

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-11-2009 13:49

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According to the Sichuan provincial government, 638 children who lost their parents in the quake now live in orphanages, cared for by government-funded welfare associations, or with relatives. Only 12 orphans have been adopted.

This was Zhang Xiaocong one year ago. He was too young to  understand what had happened to his parents. He was brought  to the temporary ward, with a fractured leg.

This was Zhang Xiaocong one year ago. He was too young to understand what had happened to his parents. He was brought to the temporary ward, with a fractured leg.

This is Zhang Xiaocong today. He now attends a local private kindergarten. His teacher tells us Xiaocong is much more open and happier than before. And though the boy can't express it, the staff knows how hard it is for him to be an orphan.

Wang Haibo, teacher of Xi Qiang Kindergarten of Mianchi County, said, "I know Xiaocong longs for a parent's care. No matter how well other people treat him, he wants his own parents back. He's only 6, but he's already mature beyond his years.”