Addis ababa: Leyla Aliyeva has visited several social and cultural institutions in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, APA reports. Her visit aimed at understanding and engaging with initiatives that support vulnerable communities and preserve cultural heritage.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Aliyeva began her visit at the Berhan Blind Boarding Secondary School. This institution, established under the initiative of Ethiopia's First Lady Zinash Tayachew, serves over 300 visually impaired students from grades 9 to 12, drawn from different regions across the country. The school customizes the national curriculum to cater to the specific needs of its students using Braille, audio resources, and computer screen-reading technology. In addition to academic subjects, the students are trained in Braille literacy, orientation and mobility, life skills, music, handicrafts, and computer proficiency, equipping them for higher education and independent living.
Leyla Aliyeva then proceeded to the Lenegewa Women's Rehabilitation and Skills Development Center. This center, launched by Addis Ababa's Mayor Adanech Abiebie, focuses on aiding nearly one thousand women who have faced homelessness or human trafficking. Comprising 13 buildings, the facility offers modern classrooms, residential dormitories, vocational workshops, and wings for psychological and medical support. Women at the center participate in intensive vocational programs lasting three to six months, covering diverse fields such as computer literacy, electronics, textile manufacturing, catering, and beauty services, thus enhancing their economic opportunities.
The visit concluded with a tour of the National Palace of Ethiopia. The palace stands as a testament to the country's monarchical history and cultural evolution. Built in 1955 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Emperor Haile Selassie, it was a gift from his wife, Menen Asfaw. The design by Italian architect Raffaele Petrone incorporates local architectural elements with international styles, symbolizing Ethiopia's cultural richness and global ties. The palace museum showcases the emperor's automobile collection and features a complex adorned with fountains, sculptures, and verdant gardens.