Relocation gives families a fresh start

Vocational training

In addition to providing jobs, some local governments have gone a step further by organizing vocational training to allow residents to acquire work skills.

In Fuqiao, the human resources and social security bureau has held three training sessions since August last year.

The goal is to help local women master skills such as housekeeping that will help give them an edge in the job market, Yang Hao said.

At least 100 residents took part in each session. Late last month, Le Shuyun, a 40-year-old former full-time housewife, attended one of the week-long training sessions.

In the old days, Le stayed at home to take care of her four children, which left her husband as the family's sole breadwinner.

To reduce the burden on him, Le decided to learn some skills and look for a job. She said the training classes were very helpful.

"The teacher was very patient and taught us well," she said. "I gained a lot of knowledge and learned techniques for cooking and caring for children and seniors."

Now, she is planning to find a job as a babysitter or waitress in the town and is optimistic about the future.

"I think I can land a good job, thanks to the training," she said.

Xin Wen contributed to this story.