‘Inclusive Municipality’ is a cooperation project of the twin cities of Leipzig and Addis Ababa. The project aims at developing inclusive measures in education and culture, and introducing them to the public. For us, inclusion means diversity. Inclusion shows that being different is normal. Moreover, it connects separated worlds.
The twin cities of Leipzig and Addis Ababa are different and diverse. We want to learn from each other and work together in this project. Jointly, we develop ideas on how people with disabilities are able to participate fully in community life.
The Office for International Affairs of the city of Leipzig implements the project in cooperation with the Addis Ababa City Government, and partners involved in education and culture. Engagement Global provides funding for the project under the ‘Partnership Projects for Sustainable Local Development’ (Nakopa) programme.
What is our approach?
We exchange ideas and raise awareness.
In the first year, expert delegations meet and exchange views on the status of inclusion. They visit around 20 facilities in both cities. This project phase runs from October 2016 to the end of 2017 and concludes with the first barrier-free (accessible) documentation in German and Amharic.
We develop ideas and put them on paper
Practical approaches are developed based on the analysis of the current status of inclusion. Pilot projects are planned for education and culture. Regular meetings of the working groups take place. All participants learn to deal with the requirements for barrier-free access in both countries.
We start with pilot projects
First pilot projects take concrete shape. The two cities collaborate in creating a tactile children's book, audio media, and a touch garden. An inclusive holiday game is developed and carried out together. This phase covers the period from the end of 2017 to the beginning of 2019.
We open education and culture to all
In the third year, the gained experience is evaluated. By the end of 2019, the project will produce a guide, a documentation, film material, and an exhibition for the interested public. The preconditions for full participation of persons with disabilities have improved in both municipalities.
News
In September 2019, the Nakopa-project „inclusive municipality“ was completed. The participants met for a final workshop in Leipzig. A second documentation at the end of the project and a handbook for municipalities (in German language) were published.
It’s that time again: In February 2020 the inclusive game City within the City took place for the third time in Addis Ababa. The organisers in the Ethiopian capital are now putting the project on its feet independently and with great success.
The school project week that took place from 24 to 28 June 2019 at the ‘Berufsschulzentrum 12’ (BSZ 12/Vocational Training Centre 12) in Leipzig produced a great result: Pupils with disabilities, teachers and an inclusion pedagogue worked together to build and design two planters.