The Cankarjev dom Congress Centre was full of joint optimism between 1 and 3 October. There was singing, dancing, playing and discussing … Numerous educational events were organised. Everyone was pondering intergeneration relations and care for the quality of life in all stages of life. The SIAE with its partners organised a stand for the 8th year running.
Everyone at the opening ceremony, from the speakers and presenters to the guests, felt the positive energy brought by this festival to the ageing Slovenian society. Zoran Predin who gets wilder with every passing year, the Be an A Student campaign promoter Sara Isakovič and the honorary ambassador of the festival Dr Gabi Čačinovič Vogrinčič as well as the dancers, the Ljubljana Veterans Band and others were so moving that many were teary eyed in the melancholy, emotion and happiness which they felt because of being able to be there and see this beautiful event.
Our visitors were cheerful, curious and happy both about the answers to their questions and the small presents they received as a reward. I am certain that many who left the event with a flier in their pocket and a smile on their face have enrolled in a formal or non-formal form of education in the very week that followed. There are so many options available! Everyone can find something that suits them.
Our learners found a special place at our stand—learning role models, SIAE award winners: Marija Metlika, Jurček Nowakk, Working Group for the Disabled with the Alpine Association of Slovenia, Ljubica Fišer, Mirjana Debelak, Jasmina Levičar and the Zveneče Jelše Study Circle, Darja Smrkolj, The Lipovci Study Circle and Slavica Borka Kucler with her study circle called Our People Remember—Vrhe Development Society.
Festival that awakens thoughts and strengthens self-esteem
The visitors were happy to listen to the numerous choir and dance appearances, interviews and performances. They received information and could attend professional and educational events. It may perhaps seem that nothing changes after such events. But we must not forget the small, optimistic life changes that occur in numerous individuals at such a festival which improve their self-esteem. In the long-run, these events create a satisfied society.
See the photo gallery and feel the pulse of the Festival of the Third Age at the stand organised by the SIAE and its partners.
Ana Peklenik (ana.peklenik@acs.si), SIAE
