We celebrated and honoured knowledge in all forms and across all stages of life. Various institutions, businesses and individuals showcased, shared, and spread the power and joy of learning. Through their performances, they displayed multiple talents. They invited anyone who wished to try something new, acquire a skill, achieve more in their personal and professional lives, and help others and themselves to visit their stalls.
This year, communities also took the opportunity for advocates to try convincing sceptics. Curious individuals, experts and novices, young and old, gathered at the venues despite the unpredictable weather – different generations connected, discovering where they could meet and how they could collaborate and create together. The LLW team at the SIAE felt great joy and satisfaction in experiencing the Day of Learning Communities. How was it? Read some highlights below, and find more impressions in the rich photo material on the LLW Facebook page.
Three Learning Parade venues, 300 kilometres, three experiences
In Nova Gorica, I was, of course, greeted by the sun. There were stalls, cheerful performers and a colourful array of acts connected with Nova Gorica AEC – the soft power of unwavering female energy. It was clear – not just on that day but every day of the year, there is a sense of belonging, care for participants and special attention to less fortunate people. Two exemplary learners in their education programmes not only received recognition but also earned respect and admiration.
For the third time this year, I was in Ajdovščina – early in spring to film a video about Ajdovščina AEC, the driving force of the learning community, on 12 May for the national LLW opening, and now at the LP, which breathed life into an otherwise (too) peaceful Lavrič’s Square. There was moderate Bora wind, but the event was all the more dynamic and lively. A breath of generational harmony among performers and visitors was present. Giving them what they desire while inspiring them to embrace learning is a winning formula for success.
Zvonka Pangerc Pahernik, MSc (zvonka.pangerc@acs.si), SIAE
The interweaving of generations in Maribor and Ormož
Early Wednesday morning in Maribor. A light rain was falling. “Oh no,” I exclaimed from deep within. I really didn’t want this. Nobody did – so much preparation, so much planning, so many people involved, so much effort, etc. However, despite the rain, the School of Health Association members were performing 1,000 movements in their orange anoraks. Nothing could dampen their good spirits. For the LP, the members of the Maribor PLYA baked cookies and carefully kept them until Wednesday morning. The Maribor AEC and Ptuj AEC stalls stood side by side, a testament to the excellent cooperation between AECs in the Podravska region.
Ptuj AEC sent one team to Maribor and another to Ormož. After a brief and pleasant visit to the capital of the Štajerska region, I headed to Ormož. I just briefly caught the end of the event. Once again, rain threatened, but I experienced the essence of it all. “We couldn’t handle everything…” were the words of the LP participants that said it all. Many visitors in various roles, good spirits and liveliness, a cake for the fifth anniversary of the LP in this location, a new logo for the Ormož AEC and, in the end, a relaxed chat with the team that organised the LP. Could it be any better?
Nevenka Kocijančič (nevenka.kocijancic@acs.si), SIAE
Nothing else but the sun!
The unease that settled among the LP organisers across Slovenia and in the offices of the SIAE due to the poor weather forecast intensified as the first raindrops fell on my way to Žalec.
But in Žalec, there was a surprise waiting: a covered market, cheerful smiles, colourful stalls, a warm welcome from the UPI – Žalec AEC team, and above all, a strong sense of a connected and intertwined community where it’s pleasant to live, learn and grow together. We agreed through welcoming speeches that if the local community and adult educators are aligned with common goals, the future appears much brighter. Let me tell you, despite the downpour, the sun was shining on intergenerational connections, intriguing presentations by exhibitors, laughter, music, and dancing.
After chatting and exploring the venue, it was back into the car and off to Koper. Koper AEC hosted the LP at Taverna, where the roof shielded us (you won’t believe it!) from the hot sun this time. Seeing that even a larger city can muster so much warmth was beautiful. The event was diverse, content-rich and suitable for all generations. It stretched into the evening, even extending to the nearby pier, with the support of learning ambassador Lara Pirc and award winners. The message was clear and resonated strongly, even with many visitors and passersby: learning is an opportunity to make dreams come true.
I returned full of energy, and from Žalec to Koper and back, the awareness grew within me that we can move mountains together through learning.
Urška Bittner Pipan, MSc (urska.bittner.pipan@acs.si), SIAE
We gobbled up knowledge
The Learning Parade 2023 in Medvode was indeed a marketplace of knowledge. Visitors eagerly gobbled up new knowledge.
Songs, playing the harmonica, art workshops, presentations of books, poetry collections, handcrafts, first aid and various projects, kamishibai, puppets, playing old board games, new fire trucks, a sports obstacle course and exercise delighted visitors of all generations.
In the spirit of the International Year of Millets, the Pr’Črnet Organic Farm offered millet treats. Fresh yoghurt from the Mis Farm also hit the spot.
The events in the covered market concluded with the awards ceremony for the LLW Skills Carousel, which included a photography, video and art competition.
Once again, the Cultural Association Art Sower provided a pleasant learning experience.
Mateja Pečar (mateja.pecar@acs.si), SIAE
A lively day in Kranj and Škofja Loka
In Planina, Kranj, there was already a lively atmosphere at the LP early in the morning. Even the dark clouds gathering in the sky didn’t deter the many curious visitors of all generations. The Mayor of the City Municipality of Kranj, Matjaž Rakovec, welcomed those gathered, saying, “It’s never too late for new knowledge and skills.” Visitors were then warmed up with morning exercise by the School of Health Association. There was also a diverse cultural and entertainment programme. Singers, dancers, actors, and other performers filled the stage until the afternoon hours. At 33 stalls, many organisers raised awareness about learning opportunities, acquiring new skills, socialising and building connections between different generations. The vibrant events in Kranj were covered by national television.
After a few years, the LP returned to Škofja Loka. In the afternoon hours, a lively bustle filled the mystical medieval centre. A rich accompanying programme and exciting content at the stalls, where local associations, organisations and educational institutions presented themselves, attracted many passersby. The youngest were delighted with a treasure hunt and face painting, while the slightly older ones enjoyed a lively musical and dance programme. There were many joyful and smiling faces.
Erika Brenk (erika.brenk@acs.si), SIAE
We could have this Parade multiple times a year
The Črnomelj AEC organised the so-called Poklicijada (interactively promoting professions) on the square in front of the Cultural Centre and the garden behind the building. They introduced professions in demand in the job market to gardeners, primary school students and high school students. The event was opened by former President Borut Pahor, who shared his rich experiences in various professions. Did you know that he was also a model? I’m always happy to see my colleagues from Bela krajina, especially my recipients of the SIAE Award. This time, I could hug Minka as well as Gill and Dennis.
The Krško AEC gathered many partners on the colourful square in front of the Cultural Centre. They presented their mission at the stalls so lively that they even attracted those who happened to be nearby. The participating organisations provided concrete evidence that life is better for the curious. What touched me the most was the Kamishibai performance of “Zdravljica” (Slovenian anthem) by Primary School Dr Mihajlo Rostohar. Are you having difficulty believing all of this? EPosavje TV presents highlights from the event in the Posavski tednik (in Slovenian).
Darijan Novak (darijan.novak@acs.si), SIAE
On the rain, the devil and the dance in Slovenska Bistrica
Initially, it seemed that bad weather would spoil the LP in Slovenska Bistrica. However, the coordinator’s representatives opened their umbrellas; others followed suit. The event continued in the beautiful park by the library. In the afternoon, the clouds dispersed (did I bring the sun from the capital?), and the proceedings continued smoothly without interruption. We listened to storyteller Janja Sivec and her moving, as well as entertaining, tales about the devil and how people (especially women) had defeated him many times in the past. The library visit confirmed that on that day, Slovenska Bistrica lived and breathed the power and joy of learning. Unexpectedly, I had the opportunity to visit Bistrica Castle and learn quite a bit about Count Attems, who, among other things, had the hall painted. Then, it was time for dancing – the local participants had a
Ana Peklenik (ana.peklenik@acs.si), SIAE
We thank all twenty coordinators for their innovative, lively, locally focused approach to such a large nationwide campaign to promote adult learning and knowledge. Congratulations to the organisers we visited for their resourcefulness and perseverance despite the unfavourable weather. Thank you for the wonderful experiences, opportunities to meet and make new acquaintances, and your hospitality. In such a company, we have no concerns about developing and enhancing adult skills.
