Xiaoyi and her cousin in 2016 versus Xiaoyi and her cousin in 2026.

For many, "home" is a familiar and comforting place.

Yet for many migrant children, growing up means moving from place to place, facing repeated separations and constant adjustment. As their parents leave their hometowns in search of work, they must build a sense of belonging in unfamiliar cities.

In China, more than 70 million migrant children have followed their parents to cities to live and study. Yet adapting to a new environment is rarely easy. Without stable support networks or sufficient care and companionship, many face significant challenges as they grow up.

Xiaoyi is one of them.

Growing Up with the Little Sprout Children’s Centre

More than a decade ago, Yi’s parents, uncle and aunt, and grandmother moved from northern Guangdong to Guangzhou in search of work. Born and raised in the city, Xiaoyi enjoyed a happy childhood here.

The urban village where she lived had limited transport links and few safe public spaces for children to play. Fortunately, in 2013, World Vision launched a migrant children’s project in the community and established the Little Sprout Children’s Centre, providing local children with a safe and welcoming place to grow.

Even before she was old enough to understand much, Xiaoyi often accompanied her grandmother to the centre. By then, her older sister and cousin were already regular, and she would happily follow them around, joining games and activities.

Before long, Little Sprout became an indispensable part of her childhood.

Xiaoyi (front) and her older sister (holding Xiaoyi) take part in a Christmas party at the Little Sprout Children’s Centre. The other children serve as young volunteers at the event.

Xiaoyi and her mother participate in a parent-child reading activity in 2016.

Exploring a Bigger World with Care and Support

As Xiaoyi grew older, she took part in an increasing range of activities.

Through reading programs, she discovered a wider world, while arts and creative activities helped her uncover new interests and express her creativity. Child protection sessions taught her how to stay safe, and adolescent development programs helped her understand the physical and emotional changes that come with growing up. Through field trips, to explored the city, learned about different professions, and gained a broader vision of the future.

With each new experience, she not only enriched her understanding of the world but also built confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Most importantly, she found a community of friends.

The companions who grew up alongside her, sharing laughter and memories, became an important part of her journey.

Xiaoyi takes part in a Cantonese porcelain painting workshop in 2024.

Xioayi and her close friend share a warm hug beneath Canton Tower in 2024.

Facing Separation and Loneliness

Migrant children often face greater challenges as they grow up. With caregivers working long hours, community resources limited, and peer support networks often weak, many lack the stable support needed for healthy development. Research shows that migrant children change schools 2.5 times more often than their urban peers, while the junior secondary school dropout rate reaches 15%.* They also face higher risk of emotional difficulties, with depression rates approximately 1.6 times those of urban children.

Yet growing up is rarely without challenges.

Before Xioayi started primary school, her older sister had returned to their hometown to continue her studies. Not long after, Xioayi’s parents also left Guangzhou due to work commitments. Hoping to let her continue studying and living in a familiar environment, they decided she would remain in Guangzhou with her uncle and aunt's family. As one loved one after another returned home, Xioayi had to cope with separation and adjust to a new chapter of life. She often felt lonely and lost.

Fortunately, her aunt cared for her as if she were her own daughter. Whenever she signed up Xiaoyi's cousin for activities at the children centre, whether arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, or family programs, she enrolled Xioayi as well. Together, the two children learned, explored, and grew.

Through these activities, Xioayi not only grew closer to her family but also formed many meaningful friendships. Surrounded by care and companionship, she gradually overcame her loneliness and found her smile again.

Xioayi enjoys games with her friends in 2026.

A Second Home That Helped Her Grow

Beyond her family, the social workers at Little Sprout Children’s Centre were also a constant source of support throughout Xioayi's childhood.

When she felt down, they reached out to her. When she faced difficulties, they took the time to listen. And when she felt lost or uncertain, they patiently helped her work through her worries.

For Xiaoyi, Little Sprout was more than an activity centre. It was a safe haven where she felt understood, supported, and at ease.

When Xioayi was in Primary Five, her father suddenly told her that they were preparing for her to move back to their hometown. Clutching her schoolbag, Xioayi ran to the children’s centre in tears. She told the social worker she did not want to leave the community she had called home for more than a decade, her classmates and friends, and Little Sprout, which had been like a second home to her since childhood. She was also worried about whether she could fit into a new class, adapt to unfamiliar textbooks, and understand her teachers' accents.

Over the following month, the social worker patiently listened to Xiaoyi's concerns, stood by her side, and gently helped her process her emotions. She also encouraged Xioayi to speak openly with her father about her wish to remain in Guangzhou until she completed primary school. Gradually, Xioayi’s worries eased. After many family discussions, her family decided to let her stay in Guangzhou until she finished primary school before returning to her hometown for junior secondary education.

Ms Chen, the social worker in charge of the children’s centre who has accompanied Xiaoyi throughout much of her growing-up years, said: "Xioayi's journey has had its ups and downs, but we have been privileged to walk alongside her through those challenging moments. Over the past two years, we have been delighted to see her bright smile return."

This steady and long-term support helped Xioayi gradually overcome loneliness and loss, and regain her confidence.

Xiaoyi takes part in a burger-making workshop led by the "Little Mentors" in 2026.

Passing Love Forward

This summer, Xioayi left the city where she was born and raised and returned to her hometown to reunite with her family and begin a new chapter in life.

A new school, new friends, and a new environment await her.

But she is no longer the child she once was.

With years of support from her family, friends, and social workers, she has learned how to embrace change and trust in herself.

Before leaving, Xioayi approached the social workers and expressed her wish to become a "Little Mentor", leading activities for younger children and sharing with them the care and support she had once received.

Although her departure came sooner than expected and she was unable to realise this wish, the thought behind it speaks volumes about how much she has grown.

A child once surrounded by love and support now hopes to be a source of support for others. It is a deeply touching blessing.

The Journey Continues

Will Xiaoyi come back one day?

Without hesitation, she answered: "Of course, I'll come back during the summer holidays, Little Sprouts Children’s Centre is here!"

This simple response reflects the deep bond she has built with this place.

A children's centre, a group of caring adults, and friends who grew up alongside her have given one migrant child precious memories and the courage to face the future.

Accompanying Children as They Grow, Sustaining Hope for the Future

For more than a decade, Little Sprouts Children’s Centre has accompanied generation after generation of migrant children as they grow, witnessing them transform from young children into confident adolescents with dreams and aspirations.

Follow-up studies show that many former participants continue their education even after leaving the community. Among surveyed children, 81% said the centre’s activities helped them develop life skills, 64% reported positive personal growth, and 46% experienced improvements in their peer relationships. These positive changes have also been recognized by their parents.

Today, Xioayi is stepping into a new chapter. Yet elsewhere in the city, many children are still waiting to be accompanied, understood, and seen.

From receiving love to sharing love, Xiaoyi's journey reflects the power of long-term care and companioship. As she begins the next stage of her life, the encouragement, friendship, and support she received will remian with her, helping her move forward with confidence and hope.