This year’s LLW had to be moved from spring to autumn due to the coronavirus pandemic. As such, events promoting lifelong learning were held in September and in the first week of October in and around Slovenska Bistrica. There were many challenges this year, as we experienced uncertainty all along about what we would be able to carry out and what we could not. For the 25th year in a row, the slogan “Slovenia, a learning country” invited citizens to think about the importance and ubiquity of learning throughout all stages of life. The Slovenska Bistrica AEC focused on the Learning Parade this year. The event was designed to take place all across town so that the action could be brought as close as possible to the places frequented by the various target groups of citizens. Throughout the day, 11 locations presented current LLW topics ranging from intergenerational integration in the National reading promotion campaign to sustainable sources and promotion of a healthy lifestyle. We envisioned the Learning Parade as a solemn procession. We were accompanied by accordion music to ensure that our voices could be heard in the streets. The events ran one after the other, not all at the same time, and the providers and coordinators moved between the individual venues together, naturally in compliance with the safety measures. All the while, we were accompanied by our solemnly decorated electric car, which we adorned with 25 daisies and balloons to celebrate the project’s 25th anniversary. This ensured that passers-by not only heard us but also noticed us. However, the car was not just for promotion, it was also a beautiful backdrop for photos and for maintaining proper distance, because when having one’s photo taken, one can quickly forget oneself and step too close to another person.
We also posted live from the venues throughout the day for everyone who follows us on Facebook. Despite the restrictions, we managed to organise an unforgettable event and bring people closer again, which is all the more important these days. We hope the next LLW will be without restrictions but still nice and as productive as this year.
Sara Emeršič (sara.emersic@lu-sb.si), Slovenska Bistrica AEC
