Responding to social, economic and environmental issues in Bahir Dar

Unlocking the Potential of Urban Communities: Case Studies of Twelve Learning Cities showcases cities in different parts of the world that are embracing lifelong learning for all. The book explores how the learning city approach can be used to unlock citizens’ potential, focusing on the experiences of twelve cities from all five UNESCO regions: Melton (Australia), Sorocaba (Brazil), Beijing (China), Bahir Dar (Ethiopia), Espoo (Finland), Cork (Ireland), Amman (Jordan), Mexico City (Mexico), Ybycuí (Paraguay), Balanga (Philippines), Namyangju (Republic of Korea) and Swansea (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland). These cities will be celebrated at the book’s launch at the 2nd International Conference on Learning Cities (ICLC), which will take place in Mexico City from 28 to 30 September 2015. Join us there and help shape the future of learning cities!

Responding to social, economic and environmental issues in Bahir Dar

"The mission of Bahir Dar City is to build a competent citizen by expanding formal and non-formal education programmes and training. The city will work in collaboration with other concerned stakeholders to realize this mission." - Muluken Ayehu, Head of Bahir Dar City Administration Education Office

Bahir Dar’s development as a learning city is being spearheaded by Bahir Dar University, which has launched the Learning Community Programme. This programme, which is at a very early stage of development, aims to bring together the currently isolated and uncoordinated learning initiatives run by the city’s various organizations. It is hoped that becoming a learning city will help Bahir Dar to tackle some of its major challenges, which include poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, gender and socio-economic inequality, and a lack of environmental awareness. The Learning Community Programme’s current priorities include informing citizens about the learning city concept, encouraging stakeholders to become actively involved, and finding innovative ways of mobilizing resources to realize the learning city ideal in Bahir Dar.

Read about the other cases here.