The 21st Days of Guidance for Learning, coordinated at the national level by the SIAE, are now successfully behind us. All 35 ISIO Centres and Self-Directed Learning Centres organised 180 events in a range of public spaces. Visitors received information on educational and learning opportunities, as well as on career planning and development. We also raised awareness about the validation of prior knowledge and self-directed learning.
Self-Directed Learning Centres Day
One day was dedicated specifically to this topic. Counsellors highlighted the benefits of self-directed learning and invited people to visit their local Self-Directed Learning Centre.
This year, the centres are celebrating their 30th anniversary. They are designed for all adults for whom, for any reason, traditional forms of learning and education are not accessible or suitable. Participation is free of charge, as this form of learning is co-financed by the Ministry of Education (ME). The centres provide a variety of learning materials, modern technologies and professional support.
I was particularly looking forward to attending this year’s Days of Guidance for Learning because of the thematic day dedicated to self-directed learning. Counsellors at Self-Directed Learning Centres across Slovenia prepared a wide range of events to present their activities and learning opportunities to adults in their communities.
We, colleagues from the SIAE, followed the activities around Slovenia with great interest and experienced first-hand the dedication of the experienced counsellors. The lively local buzz at knowledge stands, guidance corners, workshops and open days confirmed that the Days of Guidance for Learning are well received and have a broad reach.
The day before the official start of the Days of Guidance for Learning, a knowledge stand was already set up in Ilirska Bistrica. On that Tuesday, a fair took place in the town centre, as it traditionally does twice a month. The location was an excellent choice and attracted many visitors. I was delighted with the turnout. People stopped, showed interest in what was on offer and tried their luck at the wheel of fortune. They left pleased and equipped with a range of information about learning opportunities in their local area. The counsellors were happy to present the available guidance services. The various activities and the wheel of fortune were designed to inform people and showcase the possibilities for self-directed learning. The aim was achieved – information and new knowledge reached adults. I am convinced that many of them will choose to visit the guidance service or take advantage of the many learning and educational opportunities available.
I am glad I had the opportunity to visit the counsellors in Gornja Radgona and Lendava. I observed a small part of their work at close quarters during the Days of Guidance for Learning. Seeing their activity in the local environment made the counsellors’ commitment and mission almost tangible. At the same time, such visits provide the SIAE colleagues with a more comprehensive insight into counsellors’ innovative outreach work at AECs. In this way, we strengthen partnerships in the development and delivery of guidance services intended for all adults.
In Ljutomer, where counsellors from Gornja Radgona are responsible for guidance services, they set up a stand in the town centre. Using different questionnaires adapted for short conversations, they encouraged adults to assess their knowledge and skills, and invited them to continue the discussion on the organisation’s premises. The counsellors ensured that every passer-by noticed them. They were so effective in their work that even a waitress from a nearby café came over and offered to distribute some of the promotional materials to her customers.
What particularly impressed me in Lendava was the visit to a community space in a Roma neighbourhood, where part of their programmes is delivered with the aim of reaching the target group more effectively. This is an example of good practice that illustrates the importance of long-term engagement and being embedded in people’s everyday lives to bring about social change. All the organisations involved stressed that this kind of work is a long-distance run. A great deal of time and effort has gone into establishing strong internal functioning, recognition and trust in the local community.
Together with my colleague Urška Pavlič, I visited the Ormož AEC promotional stand at the town marketplace in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Self-Directed Learning Centre. Choosing this location proved to be a sound strategic decision – many passers-by, mainly older adults, stopped at the carefully arranged stand, decorated with balloons bearing the number 30. The counsellors provided information about the AEC’s rich educational offer.
Spreading the word about ISIO and Self-Directed Learning Centres
The Days of Guidance for Learning were marked by intensive promotional activity by all the organisations involved in the ISIO and Self-Directed Learning Centres. This was particularly evident on social media (#svetujemoZAznanje). The Days of Guidance for Learning were also featured on national television in the programme Dobro jutro (Good morning, in Slovenian), where our colleague Urška Pavlič and counsellor Tadeja Arkar of Novo mesto AEC appeared as guests. As in previous years, most coverage appeared in local and regional media.
ISIO Centres and Self-Directed Learning Centres actively contribute to the effective dissemination of information about guidance services in ALE. We are convinced that, through useful information and supportive advice on education, they have helped many visitors illuminate the path towards their personal goals. Together, we are creating positive stories of improved lives.
Mateja Pečar (mateja.pecar@acs.si), SIAE