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BEIJING: Large numbers of migrant workers, along with their children, have been flocking to big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. There is now an estimated 20 million children of migrant workers, scattered in cities across China.
In Beijing, there is an estimated 240,000 children whose parents are migrant workers. Many are unable to attend school, mostly because their families cannot afford it.
Those who are lucky enough to do so, go to schools that have been set up for children of migrant workers. Such schools are poorly equipped in resources, facilities and quality of teaching.
Social workers and volunteers are trying to bridge the educational gap between rural and urban children by providing free enrichment classes.
For many children of migrant workers, their parents are too busy making a living to spend time with them, leaving them prey to negative influences.
Sun Fang, a student, said: "My father is a construction worker, while my mother is a hygiene worker."
"I live in the school dormitories and go home only once a week. Every time I go home, there is no one at home," said another student, Li Yufei.
Chen Haonan, whose parents are also migrant workers, said: "My father sells meat and he leaves the house at 3 in the morning."
Despite their young age, these children are all too aware of the harsh realities.
"My mother is very worried over the past few days. She wants to find a new job as my school fees are still not fully paid. We still need 300 yuan," said Chen Yudan.
The enrichment classes are offered by a voluntary group that aims to improve the lives of underprivileged children through arts, music and sports. They also hope to instil courage and confidence in the children, as well as inculcate values such as care and commitment.
Judy Shen, president of the group 'Cai', said: "If we don't take care of them, the social fracture is going to be pretty difficult to deal with in the future. So let's resolve it now and take care of the root cause and break them out of their cycle of poverty."
Wang Ying, one of the volunteers, said: "The children are smart, but because of their family background, they don't have the same educational opportunities as urban children. I'd be happy that through my efforts, the talents of these children are not buried."
At least 58 million children are left behind in rural China when one or both parents leave to work in the cities.
Even those who follow their parents into the cities face problems later, such as being unable to further their education. This is because educational opportunities are still largely tied to one's official place of residence.
- CNA/so
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