Recently, the Suzhou Working Committee on Children and Women recognized four communities in Zhangjiagang—Shazhouhu, Ximen, Yonghe, and Lehai—as child-friendly communities.
In the Shazhouhu community, 66 percent of households have children under the age of 18. The community supports children from disadvantaged and migrant families and collaborates with kindergartens, police, and parent volunteers to ensure children's safety on their way to school. Additionally, a "children observation group" has been established to cater to the needs of children.
Residing 986 minors, the Ximen community provides several shared spaces for children. It also works with local schools and social organizations to provide psychological counseling services and intangible heritage workshops on Suzhou pingtan (ballad singing and storytelling), paper cutting, bamboo weaving, etc.
Yonghe community, with over 2,200 residents under the age of 18, has developed several indoor and outdoor spaces for cultural activities and sports. The community also established an alert system for children and registered children needing professional support. Parents can also entrust their children to the community's care while they are at work. In addition, children are encouraged to participate in the management of the community.
An indoor space for cultural activities in the Yonghe community. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
Lehai community, home to over 1,200 minors, offers numerous indoor and outdoor play and study facilities and runs programs to enhance children's participation, exploration, and critical thinking skills. Psychological counseling for children is also available.