Jena, 01.10.2026 – With the retirement of Kerstin Mieth, one of the most influential figures for the concept of inclusion in Jena is stepping down. Her decades of commitment have profoundly shaped the city’s social landscape.
- Event: Retirement of Kerstin Mieth
- Date: September 29, 2006 (Celebration at the Frühförderstelle Winzerla)
- Key Achievements: Founding of the Schwabenhaus (Jena’s first inclusive daycare center), the early intervention center (Frühförderstelle), and the association QuerWege e.V.
- Current Involvement: Continued commitment on the board of VIFF Thüringen
A Lifelong Achievement in Early Intervention
During her 45 years of service, Kerstin Mieth cared for hundreds of children in Jena – both with and without disabilities. As a true pioneer of inclusion, she fought for joint education and care at a time when integrative concepts in Thuringia still required absolute pioneering efforts. A milestone of her work was the founding of the Schwabenhaus, which set standards as the first inclusive daycare center in the city. Furthermore, she established the municipal early intervention center and launched the association QuerWege, which remains a firm pillar of the region’s social infrastructure to this day.
Voluntary Work in Retirement
Even after her official farewell in Winzerla, Mieth is not withdrawing entirely from social life. She remains actively involved in VIFF Thüringen (Association for Interdisciplinary Early Intervention). There, she continues to advocate for ensuring and further developing the standards of early intervention and inclusion across the state.
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Background: The Development of Inclusion in Jena
Jena is considered a pioneer in Thuringia regarding the implementation of inclusion in daycare centers and schools. Shortly after the German reunification, initiatives and associations like QuerWege created the first model projects that opened regular schools and daycare centers to children with special needs. The combination of outpatient early intervention and integrative pedagogy formed the basis for a comprehensive service that is now firmly anchored in the city’s social fabric.
Source:
Jenaer Ikone der Inklusion geht in Ruhestand
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.