While each has unique aspects, China's efforts to rise from a shattered past to becoming a global giant, speaks volumes about what it can offer and help the African continent along its development journey.
In 2021, China eliminated extreme poverty, lifting 770 million people out of poverty since 1978.
This is one of many examples , highlighting the yielding efforts of the Chinese people under the guidance of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Meanwhile, reports indicate that about 429 million people in Africa live below the extreme poverty line.
As China continues to urbanize, the Shiyou model demonstrates how thoughtful governance and resource integration can make a tangible difference in people's lives, which Africa can leverage to develop more home grown solutions to enhance the wellbeing of its population.
Located in Dashiba Sub-district, Jiangbei District, Chongqing Municipality, Shiyou Community stands as a testament to modern community care and governance.
Originally established in 2001 as a residential area for a petroleum company, Shiyou has evolved from its industrial roots into a thriving hub focused on fostering a resident-friendly environment.
Covering an area of 0.33 square kilometers, the community accommodates over 5,000 residents from 2,510 households. Despite its past, Shiyou has redefined itself with forward-thinking initiatives, notably its model for elderly home-based care.
At the core of Shiyou's transformation is its unique governance model, which integrates resources through community space construction and social space reconstruction. This initiative seeks to establish a governance system centered on all-lifestyle scenarios, all-age services, and all-process involvement.
According to Huang Haiyan, the head of the community, Shiyou's primary goal is to provide residents with convenient, comprehensive services that improve their quality of life.
This focus on modern governance and service has earned Shiyou numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Civilized Community Demonstration Site and National Model Community for Creating Learning-Based Families.
Building an inclusive, modern community
Shiyou Community's efforts to shape a modern community environment are evident in its all-lifestyle approach. Gone are the days of traditional platform-based offices. Instead, the community has reorganized its six functional divisions within the Party-Masses Service Center into undifferentiated processing windows, bolstered by intelligent equipment.
The result? A 24/7 intelligent station that delivers one-stop services for residents.
These services encompass everything from single-window integrated processing and proactive life assistance to online processing with remote guidance. Shiyou has also established a 15-minute urban living circle by transforming 13 stores into "neighborhood living bazaars."
These diversified establishments cater to the daily needs of residents, offering household appliance repairs, grocery shopping, laundry services, and even volunteer clinics. By providing convenient, high-frequency services, Shiyou ensures that residents are never far from the help they need.
All-age services
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Shiyou's community care model is its commitment to supporting residents of all ages, particularly its elderly population. Recognizing the challenges faced by senior citizens, especially those living alone or with mobility issues, Shiyou has transformed five stores into senior citizen canteens. These canteens operate under a service model that includes centralized meal distribution, nearby dining options, and door-to-door delivery.
This initiative has been a game-changer for elderly residents. With an average daily attendance of more than 370, the canteens have become a sustainable solution to the dining needs of the elderly. To further support this group, meal prices are subsidized based on age. Seniors aged 60 to 75 pay just 13 Yuan per meal, while those aged 80 and above enjoy meals for only 10 Yuan. Managed by the Center for Senior Citizens' Care, the canteens provide nutritious meals and foster a sense of community among the elderly residents.
Beyond meal services, Shiyou offers a range of activities that engage residents of all ages. Fun knowledge quizzes, youth quality enhancement programs, and shared parenting spaces contribute to the vibrant, intergenerational atmosphere within the community. These initiatives ensure that residents not only receive essential services but also have opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.
Grid-based services
Shiyou's success lies in its collaborative governance approach, which involves residents at every stage of decision-making. To facilitate this, the community has adopted a grid-based governance systemâ€"a widely used model in China that divides the area into smaller grids for more effective management. This system allows for more personalized services and improved governance efficiency.
The community has selected 12 key individuals, including officials and governance team members, to serve as grid chiefs. Their efforts have led to the resolution of various property conflicts and the successful completion of livelihood projects, such as traffic diversion and elevator retrofitting. These accomplishments demonstrate the power of community collaboration and the importance of involving residents in governance processes.
Grid services further enhance Shiyou's community care model. The community provides heated meals, charging stations, rented umbrellas, and other essential services directly to residents' doorsteps. Additionally, Shiyou has established six volunteer service teams, allowing residents to exchange service hours for charity items or discounts on living services. This system promotes a culture of mutual assistance and fosters strong relationships among neighbors.
Shiyou Community's innovative approach to elderly home-based care and community governance serves as a blueprint for other communities seeking to enhance the quality of life for their residents.
Théophile Niyitegeka
