How Bad Is Child Poverty in Russia? | Cheated of Childhood | Only Human

In Cheated of Childhood, 11-year old Yuriy and his 13-year old buddy Max describe their life in the eastern suburbs of St. Petersburg – from the attic hovel where they sleep during the day at the top of an eight-story apartment block, to the computer clubs where they stay up all night in order to avoid the unwanted attentions of paedophiles or the police and social workers they don’t trust. Yuriy’s dream is to go back to a home where his mother and real father are together again, and he won’t get beaten by his drunken stepfather. Max harbours a secret desire to return to school and study to be a doctor. The film looks at the work the International Labour Organisation in is doing in trying to provide rehabilitation and alternatives for the street children – a wholly new phenomenon in Russia. But the future for Yuriy and Max – and their mates on the streets – remains precarious. Like our content? Support us by becoming a member! Only Human cel