Challenges

The establishment of the Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity (the Center, thereafter), under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan’s Agency for Sustainable and Operative Social Provision (DOST), is a significant state-level project to address the social domain and solve social issues affecting vulnerable population groups. The Center offers services that were never represented in the region and is the first and largest inclusive space in the South Caucasus. It was opened to help identify and develop the creative potential, abilities, and talent of persons with disabilities and representatives of other disadvantaged groups. The goals of the Center encompass areas of expertise that were previously unavailable locally, and it promotes the creative competitiveness of the most vulnerable. The Center helps to reduce inequalities by combating discrimination and promoting social inclusion via providing equal opportunities for participation in cultural and artistic endeavors, regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, age, or abilities. With special attention to its beneficiaries, the Center offers inclusive and equitable access to creative education and lifelong learning opportunities for the disadvantaged population groups. The Center addresses the pertinent SDGs by creating a more equitable society and leaving no one behind by operating according to the inclusive, universal, and accessible principles described below.

Toward a Solution

The Center is a pioneer in creating a community where creativity is a global language, breaking down barriers for the vulnerable and promoting their personal development and social cohesion. Currently, about 180 applicants are receiving beneficiary services in the Center. It prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that its programs and services are inclusive and accessible to individuals of all abilities supporting a sense of belonging and social integration. During the entire period of activity, the Center received more than 550 official applications for admission, and this indicator continues to increase.   By envisioning a world where creativity knows no bounds and everyone has equal access to artistic expression, the Center hosts programs for persons with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to arts for the vulnerable. In a variety of programme disciplines from the  portfolio of the Center, such as cooking and culinary, arts, music lessons, floristry and landscape design, metal and wood carving, carpet weaving, sewing and knitting, ceramics studio, and arts and crafts studios, beneficiaries develop skills, work creatively, build confidence, and socialize, all of which advocate for societal change through the transformative power of the arts.   Additionally, the individuals undergoing training participate in the psychological and social pedagogical support initiatives run by the multidisciplinary team established within the Center. The staff of qualified psychologists and trainers synchronizes their efforts to guarantee the beneficiaries\’ steady growth in the Center.   Furthermore, the Center features a large courtyard for a variety of outdoor activities. It serves as a pavilion for inclusive television shows and offers facilities for rehabilitation-focused physical exercise, yoga, and meditation. Here, a variety of exhibitions and fairs as well as the training in landscape and floristry design are organized. The Center is committed to innovation, continuously seeking new and creative ways to empower individuals and promote societal change through the arts. It prioritizes sustainability, aiming to build programs and initiatives that have a lasting impact on the communities they serve.   In the Center, a library has also been built. There are books on the national literature of Azerbaijan, as well as books on teaching various professions and arts in foreign languages. In the library, the corners with books in braille for the development of artistic creativity of visually impaired people, as well as the presentation of books for people with disabilities, reading days with the participation of famous writers and signing days of local and foreign authors are organized. An important milestone for the region is the launch of DOST EVI, the new branch of the Center. Beneficiaries in Ismayilli region and the surrounding areas will find the branch to be an invaluable resource as it will give them access to inclusive arts education, personal development programs, and community integration initiatives.   Furthermore, the new branch provides employment opportunities for anyone who wants to work for the Center, supports the local economy, and encourages community involvement. The presence of the Center in Ismayilli is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities and those seeking to support inclusive development in the region.   Volunteering programmes at the Center offer a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities. Volunteers contribute their time and skills to support participants in various activities, ranging from arts and education to recreation, fostering greater inclusivity and understanding within the community.   The involvement of volunteers contributes to the well-being of participants and provides valuable experiences that promote empathy and break societal barriers. This program exemplifies the commitment to inclusivity, empowering both volunteers and participants to create a more inclusive and empathetic society. Notably, more than 250 volunteers have successfully completed the program, highlighting its effectiveness and impact.   In order to increase its efficacy and coverage, the Center places a strong emphasis on collaborating with businesses, government agencies, and local organizations. It places a strong emphasis on advocacy, working to raise awareness and promote policies that support inclusivity and diversity.   This solution aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs: 04, 08, 10, 17), which aim to address global challenges such as reduced inequalities, quality education, sustainable communities, and others. By focusing on creativity and inclusivity, the Center contributes to the broader agenda of sustainable development outlined in the SDGs.   The concept receives interest from other countries and communication is ongoing to facilitate collaboration covering multiple areas such as:

• Exchange of experience on development and rehabilitation plans for beneficiaries from vulnerable population groups;
• Identification and development of talents and potential of people from vulnerable population groups and their integration into society;
• Organization of joint exchange of knowledge of specialists in providing socio-pedagogical and psychological support;
• Exchange of experience in thematic event management.

Numerous events, musical shows and art exhibitions receive high interest from both local constituents and foreign visitors and incoming to the country delegations. This model can be replicated by any government interested in further embracing the diversity and ensuring that all individuals feel welcome and valued in society, celebrating and nurturing the unique creative expressions and talents of every individual from the disadvantaged groups, and empowering individuals to discover their potential and create positive change in their lives and communities.