Migrant children participate in activities at a community centre supported by Oxfam Hong Kong, learning knowledge and social skills through play.

Jinan, a relatively developed city in Shandong Province, has attracted a large number of migrant workers. One of the areas where many have settled is Shiliulihe Subdistrict in Shizhong District, which has a resident population of around 300,000 and a migrant population of about 200,000, including approximately 60,000 migrant children.

Since 2016, Oxfam has worked with Jinan Huaiyin Jicheng Community Social Service Centre to support newly arrived families, especially those with children aged 3 to 12, by helping them access local resources and build social connections within the community.

So far, the project has supported over 2,300 children, including Xiaozhen. When he first arrived, he was in primary three. His mother sold toys in a nearby shopping mall, where he often wandered and was bullied by other children. Volunteers invited him to the community centre to read, with a hope to gradually build trust and provide further help to him. As expected, after Xiaozhen visited once, he gradually started appearing at the centre more frequently.

At first, Xiaozhen had difficulty getting along with other children and often got into conflicts with them. However, the centre's social worker patiently communicated with him, seeking to understand the motivations behind his behaviours and helping him learn how to better handle problems and interpersonal relationships. In addition to individual case follow-ups, the social worker also invited Xiaozhen to participate in other activities at the centre. Over time, Xiaozhen became more confident, open, and willing to share. He has made friends and actively joined centre activities.

His mother also experienced a transformation. Initially feeling anxious and concerned about her child, she gradually gained confidence, and was opening up, joining parent activities, and rediscovering her own identity. No longer just “Xiaozhen’s mum”, she became known by her name - Yingying. With support from social workers, she adjusted her parenting approach and began focusing on her own growth and future alongside her child.

Within a year, change quietly took root in their family and the wider community. Both mother and son became volunteers at the centre, growing with the community. Yingying said: “Taking part in community service with my children not only teaches them to share and give, but I believe it’s also the best kind of love-based education. And through this journey, I’ve grown as well.”