Torsten Sowa grew up in the GDR, at the age of about 20 it was clear: he wanted to leave. Since his grandfather lived in the West, that was conceivable – but the grandpa died before the application for family reunification was approved.
Torsten Sowa was just under 20 when he and his parents applied to leave the GDR in 1986 to reunite their families with their grandfather in West Berlin. They had to wait two and a half years, until 1988 – and conceal the fact that their grandfather had soon died. The authorities did not find out and issued the exit visa. Sowa has lived in Munich for almost 30 years. In addition to his training as a nurse, the 53-year-old has also qualified as an advertising clerk and social economist. Sowa organizes the public relations work of the H-Team, which as a social service provides comprehensive support to people in difficult life situations.