The orphanage in the city of Orhei in Moldova is the residence of some 200 boys and men, who are physically or mentally disabled. Moldova is the poorest country in Europe, and poverty is the main reason that many parents are forced to surrender their kids to orphanages. Common for most of the boys is that they lack the care and attention of a family, which is crucial to their emotional development. The Moldavian government wants to shut down the country’s orphanages and place the boys in foster care. But this policy is only slowly being implemented due to lack of initiative and funding.
Mikkel Hørlyck was born in Aarhus, Denmark in 1990. He is a freelance photojournalist living in Copenhagen, where he is currently studying a Bachelor’s degree in photojournalism at the Danish School of Media and Journalism. Previously, he has studied at Fatamorgana The Danish School of Art Photography. Mikkel’s main interests are social issues and different aspects of psychiatry, which he focuses on with long-term projects. Mikkel believes it’s vital to tell the personal stories of the people who are powerless to do so themselves.
Awards 2019: Kravling, TV/FOTO, Finalist
2019: Danish Picture of the Year, Long Term Project, 2nd prize
2018: Vilnius Photo Circle, Homework, 1st prize
2018: Festival of Ethical Photography, World Report Award, Finalist
2017: College Photographer of the Year, Documentary, 3rd prize
2017: Danish Picture of the Year, International Story, 2nd prize
