In Western Ukrainian villages, hundreds of thousands of children grow up with their grandparents. Their parents work abroad to build a better future for their kids. Without Skype, these villages would fall apart. This is the story of Bobivtsi near Chernivtsi.
A girl waits for her mother, who has been working in Southern Italy for years, in the house they building but still haven’t completed due to a lack of money. Bobivtsi, Ukraine.
The mayor of Bobovtsi talks to his predecessor about ways to solve the problems surrounding the youth, who they believe are running amok.
Stasic is bored and plays around the house before getting ready to go to church for a christening with his grandparents. He hasn’t seen his parents in real life for more than a year.
The Children of Vania,, who works in the Netherlands, are on Skype in their home in Bobivtsi.
The car of one of the grandfathers hasn’t been driven in a while because his wife keeps him from using it because he tends to drink to escape his problems.
Vania’s son with his grandmother watch a wedding procession passing through the main street of Bobivtsi.
One of the many big new houses build by the money made in Western Europe, sthough most of them remain empty.
Stasic plays with his best friend at his grandfathers house.
A child runs after his mother in the village of Bobivtsi.
Stasic plays around with his grandfather and hits him on the head. They spend a lot of time together and he helps his grandfather on the land.
A grandmother and great grandmother cook for the whole family.
Chernivtsi, Ukraine.
Stasic’s grandfather with a neighbour talking about their children working in Western Europe.
Stasic Skypes almost every day with his parents that work and live in Spain. It’s the only form of contact they have. The father of Stasic has been away for several years now and was recently joined by Stasic’s mother.
Stasic plays in a barn with his best friend.
Grandfather Mykhailo and one of his daughters brings in the hay from the land.
An elderly woman gathers stones alongside the road of the main square of Bobivtsi.
tasic’s grandmother walked their two cows back home.
Two men walk with ornaments toward their church.
The daughter of Vania, who works now in the Netherlands is talking on Skype.
A grandmother cooks for her grandchildren.
Vania’s son, wife and mother outside their old house.
Stasic in his grandparents’ bedroom.
Stasic and his grandparents.
Stasic and his grandfather in their traditional clothing ready to go to church for a christening.