Liviu and Tenake, two homeless kids who live in the sewers of Brasov, Romania. During the day they come to the railway station to beg, to steal, to fight and to prostitute themselves. Sometimes they are calm and nice, sometimes they are aggressive and out of control. Most of the kids are ill in some way. Skin diseases from the horrible hygienic condition in the sewers, where they sleep amidst garbage and faeces. Missing fingers or a foot that froze off in winter. Genital diseases from prostitution and rape. Internal diseases from the lack of food and Aurolac, the glue they are high on all day long.

When I took this picture they were hanging around in small groups at the railway station. Looking to grab a purse, waiting for the next paedophile. Begging for food and trying to pass time, hopefully getting through another day. The taller boy on the right, Tenake, had just stolen some cigarettes from a tourist. He had attacked me earlier that day, trying to steal my camera, but right now he was enjoying his small victory. Liviu, the other boy, was so high on Aurolac I don't think he knew what he was doing.


Pictures for editorial use and for the NGO "Helping Hands". Please contact me if you would like to make a donation to this NGO. They offer hot soup, soap, mental and dental assistance and some clothes to the kids. Now they are gathering funds to build a permanent shelter for the homeless in Brasov. Just the kids, that is.