Leyla Aliyeva has visited several social and cultural facilities in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, as part of her visit to the country.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that she first visited the Berhan Boarding School for the Blind. Established under the initiative and patronage of Ethiopia's First Lady Zinash Tayachew, this educational institution serves over 300 visually impaired and blind students from grades 9 to 12, selected from various regions across the country.
The school's national curriculum is adapted to the students' specific needs, utilizing Braille, audio resources, and screen-reading technologies. In addition to core subjects, the curriculum includes Braille literacy, mobility and orientation skills, daily living skills, music, handicrafts, and computer literacy. The integration of education and practical skills enables students to prepare for higher education and independent living.
Subsequently, Leyla Aliyeva visited the "Lenegewa" Women's Rehabilitation and Skills Development Center. It was noted that the center, built on the initiative of Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abebe, serves to improve the social conditions of approximately one thousand women who have faced homelessness or have been victims of human trafficking.
The center consists of 13 buildings, including classrooms, dormitories, vocational training areas, workshops, and psychological and medical assistance units. Women admitted to the center acquire necessary knowledge and skills for future employment through 3-6 month intensive training programs. The training covers computer literacy, sewing and textiles, electronics, beauty services, public catering, and other fields.
During the visit, Leyla Aliyeva also toured the National Palace of Ethiopia. Reflecting the country's monarchical heritage and the historical spirit of its people, the palace was built in 1955 to mark the silver jubilee of Emperor Haile Selassie and was presented to him as a gift by his wife, Menen Asfaw.
Designed by Italian architect Raffaele Petrone, the building combines local architectural styles with international elements. The palace-museum showcases the Emperor's car collection, as well as an extensive complex surrounded by fountains, statues, and greenery.
Azerbaijan and Ethiopia maintain diplomatic relations characterized by cooperation in various international forums and a shared interest in expanding humanitarian ties. Such high-level visits serve to strengthen cultural exchange and social cooperation between Baku and Addis Ababa, fostering a deeper understanding of social welfare models and historical preservation between the two nations.
