The 053 Kids: Identity, Belonging, and Survival in a German Neighborhood

A Place Called Home: The 053 Hood

In Duisburg-Hochfeld, Germany, a neighborhood marked by the digits "053" of its postal code, young residents navigate a complex landscape of poverty, crime, and the search for belonging. Photographer Toby Binder captures the lives of these "053kids," many of whom feel like outsiders in a country they call home.

Hochfeld, with its large immigrant community and high concentration of children, becomes a microcosm of the struggles faced by marginalized youth in a wealthy nation. One in five children in Germany lives in poverty, and the 053kids, often facing discrimination and a lack of opportunity, are left to fend for themselves amidst drugs, prostitution, and violence.

"The kids I photograph often don’t know their parents’ home country, nor do they feel accepted in Germany, so they use the digits 053… for identification instead. These are the 053kids… No country, no town, just the hood," explains Binder.

Building Trust, Capturing Stories

Binder's long-term documentary approach allows him to embed himself within the community, earning the trust of the young people he photographs. His intimate portraits offer a glimpse into their daily struggles and the complex relationship they have with their identity.

He describes his approach: "I am honest and open. And the kids recognize that… I treat them with respect… I always come back, bring them the photos and the book. I do really care."

Navigating a Complex Reality

The socio-economic context of Hochfeld is stark. Precarious living conditions, exploitation by landlords, and the ever-present shadow of the red-light district and biker gangs shape the lives of these young people. Many turn to crime, accumulating criminal records at a young age, while others strive to succeed in school despite the overwhelming obstacles.

Binder explains: "Many parents work several shifts day and night… Most live in precarious conditions… The young people grow up with it; this is their normal."

A Crisis of Identity

Many of the 053kids grapple with a fragmented sense of identity. Born in Germany but often feeling alienated, they identify with the 053 code as their primary place of belonging, even as they dream of escaping to a better life.

One boy's poignant words capture this struggle: "I was born in Berlin, but I am Albanian because I have Albanian blood. But I love Germany, when I’m away from here for four weeks I get homesick!"

The Power of Community and Solidarity

Despite the hardships they face, the 053kids find solace in their community, forging bonds of friendship and support. Binder's work highlights the importance of community and solidarity in the face of adversity, echoing the lessons he learned in his own childhood.

He reflects, "Even the weak can play and contribute positively to the team if you include them. And that sometimes assisting is more fun than scoring the goal yourself."

The Photographer's Role

Binder's commitment to black and white photography adds a sense of timelessness to his work, allowing him to document the ongoing story of the 053kids. His presence within the community extends beyond photography; he uses the proceeds from his work to support local initiatives, demonstrating a genuine investment in the well-being of the young people he portrays.