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Sichuan Orphans: Five years on

The 12th of May marks the 5th year anniversary of the most devastating earthquake to hit China in the past 30 years. In 2008, the Sichuan earthquake killed over 69,000 people, injured 374,176 and left around 4.8 million people homeless. It ranks as the 21st deadliest earthquake of all time.

The extreme loss of life and displacement of people resulted in countless orphaned children. The Gratia Foundation joined forces with Herald of New York to establish the Mianyang Herald Gratia Children Village in September of 2008. Located in Mianyang of Zitong county, the project was completed with great assistance from the Mianyang government in August 2010.

Currently the village provides accommodation and education for 67 orphans, from 7-14 years of age. Their parents have either passed or unable to care for them due to physical and mental handicaps or incarceration. The 12 member staff at Children Village also consists of counsellors, to attend to the emotional needs of the children. Pei Wei Xu, Principal at the Village explained that the children not only need a home, but a community to raise them.

This body of work is part of an exhibition “Rebuild Hope” at Hong Kong International Airport in May 2013.

Photographs & Text:  Sam Wong
Website: www.samwong.com.au