Professional Exchange Between Mainz and Zagreb
Croatian trade union delegation learns about early childhood education.
A labor union delegation from Mainz’s sister city, Zagreb, visited Mainz on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, to learn about early childhood education. The representatives of the Croatian trade union Trade Union of Workers in Pre-School Education of Croatia (TUWPSEC/SRPOOH) were accompanied by members of the Education and Science Union (GEW).
At the municipal Feldmäuse daycare center in Ebersheim, the delegation discussed the legal, organizational, and financial framework of child daycare with the center’s management. The discussion focused, among other things, on educational concepts, quality standards, inclusion, as well as working conditions and the recruitment of early childhood educators. The Feldmäuse daycare center focuses on nature, diversity, and inclusion and has an affiliated family center.
During the visit, Jana Schmöller, Department Head for Social Affairs, Children, Youth, and Health, emphasized that the direct exchange of different experiences and approaches is valuable for both sides. Many challenges—ranging from good working conditions to inclusive care—are common to early childhood education across national borders.
Afterward, Manuela Matz, Head of the Economic Affairs Department, welcomed the guests on behalf of Mayor Nino Haase at the Stadthaus Große Bleiche. “Next year, Mainz and Zagreb will celebrate 60 years of their city partnership. But such a connection remains alive not solely because of its long history. It thrives on people and institutions engaging in dialogue, sharing experiences, and forging new connections. It is precisely the exchange on specific issues and shared challenges that continually gives a city partnership new momentum, and today’s visit is a very good example of this,” said Manuela Matz, Director of Economic Affairs.
The Croatian union representatives were in Germany from September 21 to 25 as part of the GEW’s international work. The insights they gained are also intended to serve as a benchmark for the further development of the legal and organizational framework for early childhood education in Croatia.
