12-year-old girl Ruilin is of Yi ethnicity in rural Wuding County, Yunnan province. Ruilin's father is away working in the city while her mother works as a delivery person since her poor health prevents her from doing heavy labor. Ruilin has always been known as a quiet girl of few words.

During the past year, Ruilin’s life changed dramatically. Since the establishment of a Children Center in her village, she spent every weekend and holiday there. Ruilin and her friends meet at the Center to read books, draw pictures and play games. They have also learned how to protect themselves from risks such as trafficking and domestic violence through role play and games facilitated by staff and volunteers at the Center.

Before the Center opened, children in the village could only play in the fields on weekends, increasing chances of injury. As for Ruilin, her weekend was filled with mundane chores: cleaning, cooking and feeding pigs.

In April 2016, Wuding County Women's Federation collaborated with World Vision to launch the Children Center program in three local villages, to provide children and their families space for entertainment, education, psychological support and referral services that are different from home and school environment.

Gradually, Ruilin’s mother noticed changes in her. “She used to stay at home a lot doing chores so she did not talk much, but after joining Children Center’s activities, I felt that she has become more courageous, talkative and confident,” said Ruilin’s mother.

Ruilin was selected as a children committee member of the Children Center after being interviewed by the village head and the Children Center manager. Along with other 15 children, she helps manage the Children Center, a place which has been transformed into a second home for many.

(Written by Pu Aiqin)