Social institutions

Jena is in the territory of the former East Germany or German Democratic Republic (GDR). The GDR government ceased to exist just over ten years ago when the Federal Republic of Germany formally annexed it-an event the Germans refer to as the Wende. Social customs and institutions are a fascinating mix of ones that were unique to East Germany--and are now finding their way in this new society--and others pre-dating the partition of Germany.

The Schrebergarten

On May 20, the families of Juliet and Megan organized a family gathering. Dixie and Maegan came along as well. This was held in the garden of Megan's family.

We all experienced first-hand (as have many of our students with their own families) how Germans create "nature retreats" for themselves in a densely populated society: the Schrebergarten.

These tiny garden plots are ubiquitous across all of Germany, especially on the outskirts of cities. They were named for a doctor in 19th-century Leipzig who decided that even the ordinary workers deserved the chance to get away from their toxic industrial workplaces and enjoy the restorative power of nature in their own garden plots. So, we enjoyed the beautiful view from a hill above Jena as well as the appropriate repast (Bratwurst and Brätl) and lively conversation.

The Kindervilla

On May 21, we went on a field trip to one of the Jena institutions that successfully managed to survive the Wende but that probably will not survive the current city government's apparent need to save money: the Kindervilla (also "KiVi").

Originally part of East Germany's extensive system of child care and education, this is literally a villa, a grand, older home that has existed as a youth center since the mid-1950's. It has provided Jena's youth (from elementary through high school age) with various afternoon and weekend activities --in this regard, it functions much like a Boys and Girls Club. Activities range from a movie theater (the Kinderkino) and photography to dance and ceramic courses as well as a fabulous playground. We were treated to a tour and coffee with the director Frau Bartlau.

The Kindervilla underwent renovation in the early 1990's, with the unfortunate result that the city now proposes to sell it to a private buyer. The recent Jena press has been a forum for much discussion about the future of the institution and the children that it serves. Naomi may be the last SSTer to enjoy a placement here.

Regenbogen kindergarten

On May 28, we visited another Jena institution that has had to re-invent itself to survive the transition from socialist East Germany to capitalist united Germany: the kindergarten Regenbogen (rainbow). We were reminded that in Germany a kindergarten is actually a day-care center, not part of the school system.

Built in the "workers' city" of Lobeda (West), the Regenbogen kindergarten provides services for children from 7-months to 6 years. Parents of all income levels living in the area may use this kindergarten, even mothers who are currently unemployed. After the Wende many women lost their jobs and they have had a more difficult time than men re-entering the workforce. It was interesting to hear that, at least in eastern Germany, all children after the age of 2 1/2 years have a legal right to childcare outside the home. Sadly, the Kindergärten were some of the city institutions most effected by the Wende: at least 20 of the 70 facilities were closed around 1990, and most of those remaining still have long waiting lists for children. After the director of the Regenbogen talked with us, all of the students had a great time playing after our tour, as these other pictures show!

23 May dinner

On May 23, it was time for our own social institution--the second small-group dinner at the Goshen-Haus. Megan, Maegan, June, Jeffery and Geoff entertained us with stories of their adventures (the ones we hadn't yet heard) as they prepared vegetarian spaghetti (beef is difficult to obtain because of fears of mad cow disease) with garlic bread and salad.

We feasted and relaxed and looked forward to the holiday on Thursday, May 24-this holiday is most commonly known in western Germany as Ascension Day or Christi Himmelfahrt, though we discovered that east Germans also refer to it as Männertag.

The weekend was a fairly quiet one. On May 26, June's host mother Marlies Reuter organized a guest lecture by a prominent art historian and a tour of a modern art exhibit at the Jena Juridicum by American artist Frank Stella. This is a fascinating series of abstract sculptures that were inspired by the works of German Romantic poet and novelist Heinrich von Kleist by Frank Stella (b. 1936). We were happy for the explanations and grateful to Frau Reuter for the opportunity to hear them!

Maegan and Megan's family showed us coffee hospitality.