Longing for Anklam: How Rainer Schumann preserves his sense of home

Longing for Anklam: How Rainer Schumann preserves his sense of home

Rainer Schumann, a native of Anklam, has been separated from his hometown for over 60 years. Born in Anklam in 1952, he was placed in a foster family as a toddler. His first part of life was fairly normal until his foster parents' divorce led him to a special children's home. This resulted in many challenges that continued throughout his school years. His older stepbrother went to the army in Rostock, while Rainer stayed in Anklam and struggled with the difficulties at his school.

He later had to move to Georgenthal to live with his biological mother, which he himself describes as a “horror”. His mother's control played a major role there and led to frequent conflicts. The next move came at the age of 18: Rainer moved with his mother to Annahütte in Brandenburg, where he worked in the glassworks and met his first wife. This relationship took him on a honeymoon to Anklam in 1972 - but his homeland always remained in his heart and was reflected in its annual tradition.

Annual return to Anklam

Every year since the fall of communism, Schumann and his current wife have traveled to the Baltic Sea island of Usedom. On this trip you will make a stop in Anklam. There, Rainer maintains the tradition of having breakfast in the charming street cafés in the city center and strolling through the alleys steeped in history. For him, this ritual is more than just a return; it is a homage to his roots and the longing of not having lost his homeland over all these years.

Life is often a difficult journey and for many children growing up in difficult circumstances, support is crucial. Facilities like the Schultz-Hencke House specialize in helping affected children. Support meetings take place here, in which youth welfare office employees talk to the people involved about the child's well-being and goals. Such discussions bring parents and professionals together to ensure the best possible care for children. Every progress and every challenge is discussed publicly and discussed with everyone involved.

Keeping an eye on the future of children

This support is made concrete through targeted assistance plans that everyone present signs together. This ensures that all facts and wishes are recorded in a clear plan so that the positive path for the children can continue.

In a larger context, it becomes clear how important the long-term support of children is. The current children and youth report, published on the website of the Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, highlights important aspects of childhood in Germany. Relevant data is also collected in order to continuously improve offers and professionally adapt them to the needs of children and young people.

A child's life is characterized by the support of the environment, be it from institutions or relatives. Rainer Schumann impressively shows us that the roots of a homeland are deeply rooted in you - even if the path away is sometimes rocky and long. This makes his annual visits to Anklam not only a personal journey, but also a strong connection to his identity.

For interested readers there is further information about Schumann’s story here: Northern Courier. You can find out more about supporting children and young people in institutions on the website Schultz-Hencke House, as well as in the children and youth report Federal Ministry for Family.