Yantai

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages China).

Yantai is a coastal town with over 2.6 million inhabitants in the northern province of Shandong. The city is growing at a rapid rate, partly due to the creation of free trading zones, which has resulted in many firms moving to the area. The urban areas of the city are home to industry and manufacturing. However, agriculture and fishing continue to be a very important sector. The city's commercial port is a vital part of the economic growth, allowing goods to enter and leave the region. Many children, young people and families move here in search of a better life. However, they often end up living in poor housing and have difficulties finding stable employment.

Since 1987, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Yantai.

20%
Of young people are unemployed

High youth unemployment

In China, there is a big income gap between the rich and poor. Although the government has been investing in initiatives to promote employment, housing, and education, the improved standard of living is yet to reach everybody. In fact, the rapid rate of industrialization and urbanization has made it more difficult for young people with low socio-economic status to access these services. Joblessness among China’s youth is near 20%, as many young jobseekers are discouraged by the unstable economic landscape. The job market has been struggling to keep pace with education rates: well-educated young people also find current jobs and the culture of overwork unattractive.

75%
Dependency ratio estimated by 2055

Rising dependency ratio

The working population in China has to prepare for an increasing number of elderly dependents. China’s total dependency ratio will likely exceed 75% by 2055, higher than the estimated global average. This means there is a high ratio of dependents (people younger than 15 or older than 64) to the working-age population (aged 15 to 64). Because there are fewer dependent children than elderly people, young people who will soon enter the workforce will have to support an ever-growing elderly population. However, youth participation in the labour force has been shrinking.

Your support makes a difference for children in Yantai

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
90
Children
Learn at our kindergarten
50
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
20
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
We make sure we give children and young people the opportunity to go to school, college and do further training so that they can live on their own in the future (photo: SOS Children’s Villages China).

How your support helps in Yantai

Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.