The Qingyuan Nunnery in Quanzhou, Fujian province is home to 24 abandoned youngsters aged between 3 and 19.

Mother Jinchan has been adopting children since 1982 having herself been deserted at the age of two. In the eyes of her charges she is the mother who gave them a second life.

The nunnery is faced with a financial burden as 10 of the youngsters are studying at school and others are still undergoing treatment for birth defects. But Jinchan said conditions are improving as they receive donated money and use products from neighbors.

Jinchan said she is glad all the youngsters she adopted had decided to remain at the nunnery to assist her when they grew up. Seeing the older children learn to look after the younger ones, is a reflection of her passing on love and kindness to them.

An adopted child, born with albinism, is protected by the cassock of a nun, Aug 27, 2014. [Photo/CFP]