The Audio Long Read Holidays in hell: summer camp with Russia’s forgotten children
Mar 31, 2025
Howard Amos, author and volunteer, shares his harrowing experiences at a Russian orphanage for disabled children. He delves into the grim realities, including the use of antipsychotics and violence by staff. Amos reflects on the emotional deprivation faced by the children and the tragic drowning of a young boy, shedding light on the harsh conditions and systemic neglect. He discusses the fleeting improvements seen in living conditions, yet highlights the ongoing emotional void that persists in the lives of these forgotten children.
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Dickensian Workhouse
- Howard Amos volunteered at a Russian orphanage for disabled children.
- The conditions were appalling, reminiscent of a Dickensian workhouse.
Social Orphans
- Most children were "social orphans", abandoned or removed due to poverty.
- Parents were often persuaded their kids would have better lives in state care.
Violence and Control
- Violence underpinned the orphanage's order, with staff manipulating stronger children.
- A girl named Ksenia had her teeth knocked out for biting a care worker.
