Mei Mei
“Little Sister”
by
Taun

Bronze Edition of 21
16" x 16" x 12”

There are many circumstances that lead to babies in China being “left behind” in orphanages. Those who were ready to be adopted may get sick, adoptive parents change their minds, or government regulations change. In these cases, some babies are severely delayed and not prepared to be adopted or have special needs and are not the ‘first in line ’ to be adopted. Those babies are then left behind and can be forever forgotten. If these babies do not receive special care, they may spend their childhood as orphans growing up in an institution.

In Henan Province, the most populous province in China (100 million people), there have been thousands of orphan babies left behind due to orphanage official’s severe lack of understanding of international adoption and the alarming poor quality of the child care environment. Chinese Children Adoption International ( CCAI ) was granted entrance into the Henan ’s 18 orphanages (seeing over 2,000 babies left behind) for the first time in 2007. Since then, the Henan Project was formed and over 100 caretakers have received training in basic child care, therapeutic skills, foster care management, care for babies with special needs and understanding of international adoption procedures. The first Lily Orphan Care Room and Gracie Room was opened in two different orphanages within three months following.

In recognition of the children left behind, a limited edition bronze sculpture was commissioned and created by Taun. The proceeds of this Mei Mei (little sister) sculpture will go directly to providing care for babies left behind in Henan so they can be adopted. The Henan babies will receive : one-on-one specialized attention for the first time, play with learning toys for development, therapeutic care for stimulation and medical attention when needed.

The artist is partnering with CCAI to ensure that these babies find loving and permanent homes through the Henan Project as quickly as possible. By adopting this sculpture you will help many children and make sure they are no longer “left behind”.

To learn more about Henan Kids please visit: http://www.henankids.org/

To learn more about CCAI and Chinese adoption: http://www.chinesechildren.org/