A truly special event marked the evening of 16 June at Sodni stolp, a historic tower on Maribor’s Lent: You can be an inspiration!. On this occasion, we announced the Best Lifelong Learning Story 2025, created by Žan Kidrič. His moving and empowering life journey touched the hearts of many, earning him 17% of the votes. In total, 6,000 votes were cast online for the 12 SIAE Awards for Lifelong Learning recipients (see article).
As part of the Awareness-Raising for Lifelong Learning project and the Lahko.si campaign, we refreshed the concept of the SIAE Awards, spotlighting exceptional learning achievements – both in acquiring and sharing knowledge. However, the core purpose remains unchanged since 1997: to showcase individuals, groups and organisations that invest significantly in learning and education, transforming themselves, those around them, their neighbourhoods and broader communities.
I am grateful to have been able to share my story with others. I want to show that it is always possible to find a way forward, no matter where you start from. With determination and a clear goal, anything is achievable. It is never worth giving up – when one door closes, five more can open. That is the essence of my story.
SIAE Awards for recognising outstanding lifelong learning achievements
Through these examples of outstanding achievements, we aim to spotlight individuals and groups from among the many anonymous adult learners, sharing their stories to inspire others who may still be hesitating. At the same time, we hope to shift public attitudes towards education and help foster a culture of lifelong learning in our society.
This year’s 12 award-winning regional stories premiered on 15 May at the Flagship Celebration marking the 30th anniversary of LLW.
All 12 recipients impressed us with their dedication, determination and courage. Žan’s journey reminds us that even in the most challenging moments, we can rise again if we have the right people around us and believe in ourselves. I sincerely congratulate Žan on receiving the Best Lifelong Learning Story 2025 award and thank him for sharing his experience. His story is an inspiration to us all.
At the event, attendees were also addressed by Vlasta Nussdorfer, former District, Higher and Supreme State Prosecutor, Ombudswoman, writer, lecturer and humanitarian.
Thinking of lifelong learning, I am often reminded of the saying that those who learn throughout their lives remain young at heart, even when their bodies age. Therefore, curiosity and the thirst for knowledge should never leave us. Today’s world is very different from decades past. A completely new reality is entering our lives – artificial intelligence – and we must test its boundaries. At the same time, we are surrounded by countless new stories, skilfully written day after day by the people around us. And if we add our own story to the mix, the mosaic of destinies becomes even more complete.
The Awareness-Raising for Lifelong Learning project and the Lahko.si campaign are led by Urška Bittner Pipan, MSc.
In these unusual times, film superheroes can feel too distant, too grand – and somehow unreal. True inspiration is often found in the everyday lives that surround us. We are proud of each of the 12 stories. Watch their short clips – we promise you will not remain indifferent. Every story carries a message that encourages us to step out of our comfort zones. To share these stories with as many people as possible, we invited the public to vote online at Lahko.si and select this year’s Best Lifelong Learning Story 2025.
Žan Kidrič received a unique sculpture symbolising lifelong learning, created especially for the project by French sculptor Guillaume Froger, who lives and works in Slovenia.
Gregor Budal hosted the heartfelt event. Visitors joined in playing drums and other instruments with the PROAKTIVA Orchestra of Recycled Instruments, enjoyed a performance by the outstanding Čompe ethno-jazz band and were swept away by tango rhythms performed by Sara Krapež and Maja Dvoršek from the Institute for Dance Therapy.
Špela Bric (spela.bric@acs.si), SIAE
Photo: Jani Ugrin