China's Ministry of Civil Affairs says the number of orphans or children whose parents are still missing after the Sichuan earthquake has risen to 1,872. Many people across the nation say they would like to adopt them. But the Ministry of Civil Affairs says it is encouraging relatives of the children to adopt or take care of them.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs says it is encouraging relatives of the quake orphans to adopt or take care of them.

Zhang Mingliang, Director of Welfare of Ministry of Civil Affairs said "We should take into consideration kinship and place of birth in dealing with the adoption of quake orphans. It's in the best interests of these children to live with their relatives and grow up and receive education in a familiar environment. We are grateful to these caring people who would like to adopt these children. But I think the best way they can help them is to provide economic assistance. They can offer financial aid to one or more orphans on a regular or irregular basis, and subsidize their education, medical care and other basic needs."

(CCTV June 6, 2008)