Education and Public Institutions in Mülheim – A Month in Focus

Education and Public Institutions: Mülheim Investing in the Future

Education and public institutions are central pillars of municipal development. In Mülheim an der Ruhr, January 2026 is marked by a variety of initiatives aimed at strengthening the education system as well as promoting integration and social participation. The city is not only investing in daycare centers and after-school care programs, but also in cultural projects that reflect and foster social diversity.

Inclusion Through Music: A Project for Generations

A particularly striking example of inclusive education is the project connecting students from a Mülheim high school with residents of the Marienhof retirement home in Speldorf. The school's big band performs as an opening act, followed by joint dance sessions to oldies, Schlager, and pop music. This intergenerational exchange offers not only social benefits, but also therapeutic advantages: music can evoke positive memories and improve the mood of seniors with dementia.

The organization VBGS Mülheim, which is responsible for the project, is seeking financial support. This highlights how important it is for public institutions and non-profit organizations to work together to enable inclusive offerings. Such projects help overcome prejudices and promote social integration.

Cultural Education: “Bridges” as a Theme

Another cultural project that gained momentum in January is the planned exhibition “Bridges” by the Evangelical Parishes of Broich-Saarn. The exhibition, scheduled to take place from May to October 2026, will connect artists from the group “AnDer” with students from the Saarn Comprehensive School. Fourteen display panels will be set up in Saarn, bringing cultural education and artistic promotion directly to the local community.

The opening is planned for May 8, 2026. The exhibition is not only a cultural highlight, but also an example of how schools and religious institutions can jointly strengthen education and artistic development. The involvement of young people underlines the importance of early cultural promotion in Mülheim.

Childcare Offers: Expansion and Inclusion

In the area of daycare and child care, the city of Mülheim has extensive plans for the 2026/2027 kindergarten year. In total, 4,662 childcare places for children aged 3 to 6 are provided for 4,823 children, corresponding to a coverage rate of 96.7%. For children under the age of three (U3), 1,221 places are available in daycare centers and 975 in child day care.

Particular emphasis should be placed on the care of 210 children with (impending) severe disabilities in daycare centers. Additionally, an after-school offer for 80 schoolchildren is maintained. This shows how much Mülheim pays attention to inclusive and barrier-free childcare. The city also focuses on quality: 35 “plusKITA facilities” offer particularly high-quality care for children with special needs.

Outlook: The Role of the District Committee

At the budget meeting of District Committee 3 on January 29, 2026, the financial foundations for childcare offers were also in focus. The budget meeting, which focuses on the 2026 budget, is crucial for the implementation of the planned projects. The status report on childcare offers will play a central role here.

The decisions of the district committee not only influence the current design of the facilities, but also their future development. In a constantly growing Mülheim, it is therefore essential that political decisions are made transparently and with a citizen-oriented approach.

Conclusion: Education as a Key to the Future

January 2026 has shown that Mülheim an der Ruhr is investing on multiple levels: in the education of children, in intergenerational exchange, and in cultural projects that reflect the city's diversity. The city is pursuing an integrative approach that focuses on inclusion as well as cultural education. With a broad range of childcare places and inclusive projects, Mülheim underlines its role as a vibrant, future-oriented city.