In 2025, through the Awareness‑raising for Lifelong Learning project and the Lahko.si campaign, we are reaching not only all adults but also young people with lower levels of education (aged 15–29). We invited ten organisations to participate by organising a range of events in their local communities. These offered young visitors ways to get to know themselves and their surroundings, encouraged their creativity and strengthened their sense of participation in the community.
A space was created where young people could explore the present and shape the future.
The events form part of broader efforts to promote lifelong learning among young people. They are intended for everyone looking for new pathways, wanting to develop their talents or simply needing encouragement for a fresh start. Through practical experience, they discover their potential and interests, develop key competences for the future and, through intergenerational cooperation, broaden their social networks. The project under which the events take place is led by the Slovenian Institute for Adult Education and co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union through ESF+.
Young people created and explored
In June, young people participated in two important events that supported their personal and career development. At Soboški Castle, the event Learning through Film: Experiential Approaches to the Development of Young People took place. Through film screenings and discussions with guests, participants explored topics such as identity, role models and life choices.
The Space Centre in Vitanje hosted the event Universe of Opportunities, aimed at young people with lower levels of education and those unsure about their next career step. The organisers presented opportunities for personal and professional development and conveyed the message that it is never too late — sometimes a single opportunity is enough for a new beginning.
For a day, Koper pulsed with courage and creativity at the You Can Dare event. Young people took part in workshops on theatre, film, improvisation and public speaking. The evening was rounded off with a freestyle show and short films by young creators.
Autumn brought a series of further creative and educational opportunities. In Radovljica, the event My Passion, My Path offered young people workshops in graffiti, animated film and mosaics, as well as on mental health and safe sexuality. The evening concluded with a concert by Leopold I and the band Drügi.
The Carinthian Chamber of Commerce (Dravograd, Slovenia) organised a Career Brunch, where participants learnt how advanced tools and AI can enhance productivity and quality of life. The Career Centre for Young People in Kočevje offered support with job searching, guidance and career orientation. The event RESET – A New Beginning in Brežice enabled young people to explore educational and employment opportunities, working abroad, digital skills and entrepreneurship.
At the mansion Vetrinjski dvor in Maribor, the Prizma Foundation hosted a varied afternoon at the beginning of October, featuring workshops and activities for the personal and professional development of young people under the title What Are You Waiting For? Through interactive sessions, participants explored their potential, strengthened their soft skills and discovered opportunities for growth and engagement in the local community.
At Ajdovščina AEC, young people at the event I Mess Up Sometimes Too explored, through open conversations, the idea that mistakes are not the end of the road but an opportunity for growth and a fresh start. The event encouraged honest dialogue about failure, perseverance and self-confidence – with the message that every one of us messes up sometimes.
By the end of the year, two more well-attended events took place. Zavod Ypsilon organised Made with Z in Ljubljana, where young people were encouraged to express themselves creatively and supported in developing their entrepreneurial skills. In October, the event Career Inspiration for Young People was held in Črnomelj.
Lucija Kovač and Špela Bric (spela.bric@acs.si), SIAE