Source: CRI
05-16-2008 09:22
Special Report: Strong quake jolts SW ChinaMany netizens are applying to adopt orphans who lost their parents in the Sichuan earthquake.
The death toll for the earthquake which struck last Monday afternoon had reached nearly 20,000 by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday.
On Wednesday afternoon, an online QQ group christened "Rainbow after rain" was set up for people willing to adopt children orphaned by the earthquake. Through QQ, an online chatting tool widely used in China, netizens can share information on how to help these poor children.
The warm-hearted netizen who promoted the activity is not a government staff member, China News Service reported.
By 11 a.m. on Thursday, nearly 100 netizens has joined the group. Due to capacity limits, several other groups have been set up, with the number of netizens climbing to more than 300.
The host of the QQ group, nicknamed "Paozi", said he was heartbroken when he saw Premier Wen Jiabao consoling orphans in the quake-hit area. "I want to do something for those poor children, materially or mentally."
So, he set up the QQ group for like-minded netizens in a bid to share information to help the orphans.
Netizens willing to adopt the orphans can submit their information through the QQ group, and the host will then deliver all the details to the Sichuan civil affairs office for approval.
According to the law, only childless couples in their 30s or above can apply to adopt the orphans.
A 25-year-old netizen nicknamed "simple-happy" felt disappointed when she learned of the law. "If possible, I will provide material help to these children suffering from the earthquake and look after of them from time to time."
People can also get more information about orphan adoption through two hotlines which have been set up by the Sichuan civil affairs office: 028-84423064 and 028-84423065.
Editor:Liu Fang
