Tales of Priut Almus:

Participant Observation in a Russian Children’s Shelter

by Child Psychologist, Robert Belenky, PhD

Our world is overflowing with surplus children ....

Once upon a time in St. Petersburg, Russia, there was a place for them.  It had an oddball, familial feel and, if records were kept, probably an impressive track record.  It’s name was “Priut Almus.”  (“Priut” means “shelter” in Russian.)

Robert Belenky, PhD,”Dyedoushka [Grandpa] Bob” to the children, is a clinical child psychologist/progressive educator from Vermont.  He made annual visits to Priut Almus since 1998.

Belenky takes us into that unlikely institution.  He introduces us to the children and the staff; shares interviews, relates stories of daily life and, finally, offers his views about how children such as those in Priut Almus might ideally be dealt with whether in Russia, the United States or anywhere. 

The goal, he believes, is not merely to feed and house children whose lives have been hard but to help them flourish.  Flourishing is what “Tales of Priut Almus” is all about and Belenky shows it to be a compelling, achievable goal.

The book ends in a thoughtful conversation with the brilliant, elusive founder/director of Almus, Mikhail Makarievich, one-time orphanage resident, man of the theater, and relentless children’s advocate. 

“Tales of Priut Almus” is a must-read for everyone concerned with children; social workers, psychologists, child care workers, educators, students, parents, and ... kids themselves.

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