Kita Millipedes in Duisburg is celebrating 50 years of diversity and inclusion!

Kita Millipedes in Duisburg is celebrating 50 years of diversity and inclusion!

On August 18, 2025, it's time to celebrate in Meiderich: the Kita Millipedes celebrated its 50th anniversary. This first special education daycare center in Duisburg was founded in 1975 by committed parents who were committed to caring for their children with special needs. Their vision was to offer the little ones not only a home, but also a platform for development and integration. This facility is now a model for many daycare centers in the Rhineland, like the one Rundschau Duisburg reported.

Today, 60 children between the ages of four months and the time they start school are allowed to attend the daycare center, with around half of them having special needs. Daycare director Lisa Thesing emphasizes how important inclusion is for learning together about diversity, compassion and tolerance. In order to enable this valuable exchange, the daycare center offers language education integrated into everyday life, which particularly supports children with German as a second language. Young visitors also enjoy the natural outdoor play area, where seasonal plants provide fresh inspiration.

Challenges in everyday life

But not everything is going smoothly: the shortage of skilled workers poses significant challenges for the Kita Millipedes. This has a negative impact on the resources and inclusion measures that are necessary for optimal support. Lebenshilfe Duisburg, which is behind this facility, was founded in 1962 and currently employs over 400 people at 16 locations. Its goal is to provide services and therapeutic options for people with and without disabilities.

In summary, the anniversary celebration shows how important the daycare center is for the community. The combination of a loving environment and inclusive educational approaches could serve as a model for other institutions in which children with and without special needs grow up in a common world.

A look outside the box: Siargao

Although the celebrations in Duisburg are the focus, it is also worth taking a look at cultural events in other places such as the island of Siargao in the Philippine Sea. The teardrop-shaped island, known for its breathtaking surfing spots, enjoys international fame. Siargao was even voted the best island in Asia in 2021 and attracts many tourists who want to experience its unique white sandy beaches and friendly atmosphere.

In recent years, however, the island has had to contend with a severe typhoon that caused massive damage and presented residents with major challenges. Despite this, Siargao remains a popular tourist destination characterized by its stunning reefs and natural features.

No matter whether in Duisburg or on Siargao - it is the community that counts and that always sticks to the values ​​of tolerance, courage and cohesion. Let us be inspired by these positive examples, no matter where we are!