Livelihood project in Hengqin enhances connections between Macao, Guangdong

A livelihood project located in Hengqin of south China's Guangdong Province, an island located just across the water from the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), is helping strengthen ties and connections between the two sides and providing greater convenience for Macao residents to live in the mainland.

The Macao New Neighborhood project is located in the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone, which was established in 2021 by the Chinese central government to foster closer integration between the two regions.

Jointly developed by authorities in Guangdong and Macao, the project in Hengqin includes over 4,000 residential units and offers high-quality public services and social welfare systems aligned with those in Macao.

There are currently more than 20,000 people from Macao living and working in Hengqin, while over 500 students from Macao are studying in the cooperation zone, according to the latest figures.

One of the big recent developments comes in the education sector, with the opening of the Hengqin School Affiliated to Hou Kong Middle School, which became the first mainland school tailored for children of Macao residents. Since opening in September, the school has enrolled over 250 students in kindergarten and primary grades, who enjoy the same education policies as their peers in Macao.

"The Macao New Neighborhood offers many conveniences. For example, it is home to the Hengqin School affiliated to the Hou Kong Middle School of Macao, which is the first school on the mainland to have an education system aligned with that of Macao," said Wong Chi Choi, president of Authenmole (Macao) Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology. "We hope to use the Macao New Neighborhood as a pilot project and expand it throughout the entire cooperation zone, with the goal of aligning the public service and social security systems between the cooperation zone and Macao in an orderly manner," said Huang Yujie, director of the People's Livelihood Affairs Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone.

In addition, the Macao government has established a service center in the neighborhood to provide round-the-clock assistance to residents.

"A 24-hour government service center has been set up in the Macao New Neighborhood in the in-depth cooperation zone. It acts as an extension of the Macao government service center in Hengqin," said Cheong Weng Chon, secretary for Administration and Justice of the Macao SAR government.

Transportation links between the two sides were also given a boost earlier this month with the opening of the much-anticipated Hengqin Line on the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system. Consisting of the Lotus Station in Macao and the Hengqin Station located across the water, the new route provides a fast and convenient transport option for residents.

Livelihood project in Hengqin enhances connections between Macao, Guangdong

Baoshan, a city in southwest China's Yunnan Province, has implemented a raft of measures to ensure that disadvantaged children receive the care and support they need.

Home to about 41,900 vulnerable children, the city has recently inaugurated Baoshan Hanying Runze School, a model institution designed specifically for students facing difficult circumstances.

Founded in September, the school currently serves around 180 students from grades one to nine, most of whom come from underprivileged families.

"Most of our children lack parental care and family supervision. Here, our teachers are not only educators but also act as parents to the children. Each teacher looks after four to five students. During special holidays, we invite them to our homes," said Zhou Jie, the school's principal.

This unique brand of care permeates every corner of the school, where warmth and compassion define the environment.

"At this school, there's a warmth that feels like home - something I never experienced in my previous schools. The teachers are incredibly supportive, helping us in every aspect of our learning and daily lives," said Chen Zilin, a student.

The city's officials have also rolled out targeted assistance for impoverished families, ensuring their children's safety while offering essential livelihood support.

"Every three months, we visit the children to understand their needs, identify any challenges they face, and determine what kind of assistance is required," said Zhao Yankai, a staff member with the Jinji Township Government, under the jurisdiction of Baoshan City.

In addition, Baoshan has partnered with China Mobile, a major telecom provider, to create a special platform that enables young students at the school to video chat with their families while they board.

Baoshan launches initiatives to support underprivileged children