Moldova is an ex-Sovjet republic located between Romania and the Ukraine.
Due to political instability, separatism and corruption the country suffers from severe poverty.
Eighty percent of the population lives in poor conditions. Moldova is the poorest country of Europe.
The high number of unemployment, corruption, low salaries and pension makes a large number of youngster decide to leave the country to seek better circumstances elsewhere.
Many of them leave their children behind with their parents or grandparents to raise them.
The decline in the standard of living targets seniors severely. This series shows the poor standards elderlies suffer from. Thousands of them live in broken down homes which do not provide any protection against the extreme winters. Many of them are seen as a burden to their offspring and are neglected and physically abused.
The low pensions they receive are mostly used by their children to finance their drug or alcohol addiction. Most of them are left to take of themselves, without money, any form or care and medical attention.
Moldova is an ex-Sovjet republic located between Romania and the Ukraine.
Due to political instability, separatism and corruption the country suffers from severe poverty. Eighty percent of the population lives in poor conditions. Moldova is the poorest country of Europe. This country is hardly ever discussed and most people do not even realize it is located in Europe. A country so close, but yet so far away from western norms and values. Reasons enough for us to make a photographic documentary about this topic.
The high number of unemployment, corruption, low salaries and pensions makes a large number of youngsters decide to leave the country, to seek better life circumstances elsewhere. Many of them leave their children behind with theirs parents.
The decline in the standard of living targets seniors severely.
This series shows the poor standards elderlies in Moldova suffer from.
Thousands of them live in broken down homes, which do not provide protection against the extremely cold winters. Many of them are discarded/treated as a burden on the life of their children and grandchildren. Their low pensions are mostly used for financing drug- and alcohol abuse by the (grand)children who are living with them. Medical care is too expensive for them, and many live alone, sick, and without any form of medical attention/care.
We believe that this underrated topic deserves the attention it deserves. By working together with the NGO CASMED we were able to visit some of the elderlies living on the countryside. Their project “Adopt a Granny” is about raising money and awareness for those in need. For a small donation per month people can adopt a granny. This support will help pay for their basic needs. Due to the low numbers of volunteers, exposure and financial means their outreach is minimal.
Ignoring and evading this problem is for most of the inhabitants the easiest way to live their lives. Neglecting their parents/grandparents.
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