'Barefoot social workers' can help rural kids

As the tragic story of the four children who died in Bijie, Southwest China's Guizhou province, last week unfolds in the media, it is clear that all of us need to do more to help the millions of children living in rural areas, especially those left behind by their parents in their search for better-paying jobs in cities.

Media reports say that the Bijie children who were compelled by circumstances to live alone also missed emotional support, parental guidance and protection of caregivers. With almost one in every four children in China facing such predicament, this has become one of the biggest challenges for rapid urbanization.

Many rural parents believe a job in a city will increase their incomes and help build a better future for their children. Although the prospects may be good in the long run, the short-term reality of being left in the care of grandparents in a village can be tough and complicated for children. Besides, for children who move to cities with their parents, the shift could be an alienating experience. Add to that the loss of traditional community support, and the discrimination and difficulties faced for getting into a school and you get a rough idea about such children's sufferings.