Progress makes Changchun a standout

Changchun, the capital of Jilin province in Northeast China, has been declared a leader in civilized improvements for four consecutive years, something the locals take quite seriously, according its Party chief.

That is because the honor reflects the progress the city has made in building a friendlier environment, local officials have said.

"In fact, getting that honor was not our goal," said Gao Guangbin, the Party head. "Our real target is to produce a shift in people's ideas and behaviors, to make them more civilized."

In pursuing its goal, the city government has made projects directly related to improving people's lives, a priority.

It has spent more than 8 million yuan ($1.23 million) on installing or repairing the lights in the older residential communities. And it has initiated a "house warming" program to restore old buildings and add insulation to protect the residents of this, sometimes cold, northeastern city.

The question of employment has never been very far from the authorities' minds, and they have had policies supporting startups and employment in recent years, to help vulnerable people.

At the same time, the social security network, including unemployment insurance and pensions, has been expanded.

One part of this has been a citywide educational aid initiative that has given more children from poor families access to schooling.

The traffic situation has been improved, old buildings renovated and the green coverage expanded, and people have benefited from the changes.

As a result, they have become a part of the city's civilization building.

"Improving their quality is key to building a nationally prominent civil city," explained Wang Zhenhua, head of the city's publicity department.

The authorities have held promotional events to encourage locals to display better manners and improve their morals.

And, more people, be they old or young, are volunteering for various things in the city. They help with traffic congestion, maintain public order and care for children or the elderly.

(China Daily 06/01/2011 page24)