It was a lovely evening on Friday, 4 October, as we celebrated 30 years since the first study circle was held in Tišina. A chronological exhibition of the creations produced over the years showcased how the years of learning have unfolded. Participants have crafted numerous traditional and modern handmade items using various materials, including repurposed waste, giving them new value through innovative designs. We also embraced exploring and preserving natural and cultural heritage. We gathered seeds, cultivated seedlings, and thus cared for the natural landscape, as well as created various crafts. Participants organised culinary events, passed skills and knowledge to future generations, fostered personal growth and health and brought the community together. We revived old traditions and social games and strengthened the local community. Visitors could see these achievements captured in photographs displayed during the event.
As a long-standing mentor of study circles and the author of a second book – the first, Delo in dosežki študijskega krožka Tišina (Work and Achievements of the Study Circle Tišina), was published in 2015 – I presented the book Res dobro, študijski krožki v Tišini (Truly good, Study Circles in Tišina). Both books are written in Slovenian. I described how we learned, pursued educational and action-oriented goals, enriched ourselves and the local community, and broadened the perspectives of members, experts and event participants. Our efforts were recognised when we received the SIAE Award for the Promotion of Adult Learning and Knowledge in 2005.
Shared interests unite us in gaining more knowledge, socialising, creating and nurturing precision, creativity and perseverance. All the study circles in Tišina, which operated under the professional guidance of the SIAE and the auspices of the Murska Sobota AEC, were funded by the ME and the Municipality of Tišina. A total of 46 members participated, completing 1,298 hours and 30 minutes of lifelong learning.
Thank you to everyone who made it possible for us to learn.
Mihaela Flisar (mihaela.flisar@gmail.com), mentor of study circles in Tišina
