For 13 years this shoemaking factory has produced unique shoes and foot controls for kids suffering from cerebral palsy. Recently it lost municipal support and is now struggling to survive on the market.
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Natalia Gubernatorova/Moskovskiy Komsomolets
Ceramic walls, old table and bulb light. In this quite ascetic interior three craftsmen are producing special shoes and foot controls for kids suffering from cerebral palsy, without any fancy devices.
Natalia Gubernatorova/Moskovskiy Komsomolets
The workshop was launched in 2002. In all these years its only remuneration has been the enthusiasm of those devoted to helping ill children.
Natalia Gubernatorova/Moskovskiy Komsomolets
The factory is inspired and headed by Elena Seliverstova, a 69-year old orthopaedist and prosthetist. It's hard to believe that innovation can emerge in rusty surroundings like these, but the factory's output has helped dozens of kids otherwise destined to spend their whole life in a wheelchair.
Natalia Gubernatorova/Moskovskiy Komsomolets
"We produce not only shoes, but also shoe soles and exercisers that effectively restore the functions of the locomotor system," Seliverstova told daily newspaper Moskovskiy Komsomolets.
Natalia Gubernatorova/Moskovskiy Komsomolets
Right from day one the factory had to fight to survive. Local government provided premises at a preferential rent, but the room was in a critical condition.
Natalia Gubernatorova/Moskovskiy Komsomolets
Having relocated in 2014, the craftsmen hoped for a better life, but a year later the factory was kicked out by the new landlord. It has to vacate the premises by December 20, and there's no other place to go.
Natalia Gubernatorova/Moskovskiy Komsomolets
The production process is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Revenue from selling shoes and orthopedic devices does not cover the rent.
Natalia Gubernatorova/Moskovskiy Komsomolets
Elena Seliverstova does not think the workshop will survive on the market without municipal funding. "My goal is not business, I just want to help people."
Natalia Gubernatorova/Moskovskiy Komsomolets
"There are about 500,000 kids with nervous disorders in Russia, 80% of them suffer from cerebral palsy," sighs the orthopedist.
Natalia Gubernatorova/Moskovskiy Komsomolets
"Most disabled kids don't get proper treatment simply due to the lack of prosthetic devices and exercisers," says Seliverstova.
Natalia Gubernatorova/Moskovskiy Komsomolets
"It is an incredible feeling when you see a wheelchair-bound child take his or her first steps with the help of our products."
Natalia Gubernatorova/Moskovskiy Komsomolets
Elena Seliverstova dreams of opening a full-fledged children’s orthopedic clinic.
Natalia Gubernatorova/Moskovskiy Komsomolets
"For me it is important that all kids in need could get the help they deserve."
