This year, the Day of Learning Communities was not the central celebration of LLW. That honour – and rightly so – belonged to the Flagship Celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the Learning Festival, held on 15 May Ljubljana. You can read more about the ceremony in Zvonka’s article.
On 21 May, the Learning Parade was coordinated by 23 organisations, each preparing various events, some of which also brought the joy of learning to smaller surrounding towns.
The SIAE team, especially colleagues from the Information and Awareness-raising Unit, visited locations across Slovenia. What did we see and experience? Read on and enjoy the snapshots of lively happenings around the country.
Learning Parade in Kranj
I enjoy visiting our colleagues in the field, so I choose a different LP organiser each year. This time, I selected Kranj.
Even before entering the venue, I was welcomed by a cheerful atmosphere, which continued inside amid the vibrant bustle. The stage hosted various performers throughout the day, creating a true intergenerational showcase. At the stands, representatives of participating organisations and associations invited us to explore their activities, while experienced ALE counsellors offered guidance and motivation for further education in a dedicated corner at the entrance (or exit).
Andreja Dobrovoljc, MSc (andreja.dobrovoljc@acs.si), SIAE
Celebrating the power and joy of learning in north-eastern Slovenia
My journey took me to north-eastern Slovenia – to Lendava, a town with a unique spirit shaped by its proximity to Hungary and Croatia. The region’s cultural richness is further enhanced by the Roma community.
I was welcomed with the warmth one can always expect in this part of Slovenia. As the LLW coordinator for the Pomurje region and organiser of the LP event, Lendava AEC put together a vibrant and diverse programme. More than 25 learning providers showcased their offerings, while children from the local kindergarten, secondary school students, Alojz Sraka, former ALE counsellor and poet, and the Folklore Group Prekmurje delighted the audience with their performances. Between acts, DJ Zoran kept the atmosphere lively with his music.
Matej Maček (matej.macek@acs.si), SIAE
Sončni Koper je zaživel v duhu učenja in ustvarjalnosti
Sunny Koper bursts into life with learning and creativity
On a lively Wednesday afternoon, Taverna Koper once again came to life under the banner of LP – the Day of Learning Communities. After a one-year break, the event returned in full colour and diversity, organised by Koper AEC with the support of the Municipality of Koper.
Local organisations, associations, institutes and schools showcased their activities, which enrich the community’s educational and cultural life. Visitors participated in creative workshops, discovered new learning opportunities and enjoyed vibrant dance and music performances.
Erika Brenk (erika.brenk@acs.si), SIAE
Learning communities in Zasavje and Posavje
Zasavje AEC and Krško AEC, our long-standing coordinators, held their main events simultaneously this year. In Trbovlje, the organisers had to adapt to the poor weather forecast: they could not set up their stands along the steps next to the Workers’ Home as planned. Inside, it was noisier – but certainly no less lively! Visitors stopped at the stands, explored new business ideas, learned about health and discovered the activities of local institutions. The ŠENT Association earned the award for the most attractive stand. From Trbovlje, I followed the Sava River to Sevnica, where Krško AEC hosted one of its two additional LPs. The other one took place later in the afternoon in Brežice. The rural market square in Sevnica was buzzing with life; just as I arrived, a lecture on mountaineering was starting. One participant got so excited by the special sound effects of the fire engine and police car that we all jumped in surprise more than once.
In towns where people know each other well, learning communities truly breathe as one.
Ana Peklenik (ana.peklenik@acs.si), SIAE
Connection and inspiration at the LP in Škofja Loka
The stage of the LP in Škofja Loka hosted a range of performers – primary and secondary school students, cultural associations and retirees. At the stands, educational institutions, associations and individuals showcased a rich variety of activities – from robotics and sewing workshops to demonstrations of traditional Dražgoše hand-crafted honey cookies, mushroom-based recipes and tips for healthy living.
The event closed with an engaging lecture by psychologist Kaja Strniša, who shared techniques for improving well-being and coping with stress. The LP was exceptionally well executed, leaving visitors smiling and inspired as they returned home – richer in knowledge, motivation and enthusiasm for lifelong learning.
A pleasant, creative and lively atmosphere in Medvode
The event, successfully organised by the Art Sower Cultural Association under the leadership of Agata Trojar, unfolded in a pleasant, creative and vibrant atmosphere.
The opening ceremony was marked by a symbolic flag-raising, accompanied by accordion and drum music, with scouts, firefighters and visitors joining in. The programme continued with performances by local choirs and creative groups, while children enjoyed hands-on activities in art workshops, a beekeeping club and painting corners. At the stands, visitors discovered books, wooden handicrafts and homemade delicacies from local producers.
Mihaela Selak Petković, MSc (mihaela.selak.petkovic@acs.si), SIAE
The Learning Parade took me to three cities
Across all three cities, the organisers’ joyful dedication, the community’s strong support and the enthusiasm of participants – from exhibitors and performers on the stages (in town squares and marketplaces) to their families and other visitors – were unmistakable.
In Celje, I was welcomed in the morning by the smiling faces of my AEC colleagues. The team has been organising the LP for seven years. They also hosted the National Opening of LLW 2022 with great success. This year’s event created a lively atmosphere where exhibitors and visitors moved freely among the stands, exchanging ideas and enjoying hands-on activities. The highlight of the day – the official opening of the LP – drew a large crowd to the square. Passionate speeches intertwined with a multi-generational cultural programme, and every performance delighted the audience. As we left, we all shared the same wish: may the LP in Celje become a lasting tradition!
The rural marketplace in Žalec now boasts a roof – a blessing on the day, as the gloomy weather forecast soon began to prove true. Yet the enthusiasm of everyone involved worked wonders: just before 2 pm, the sun broke through – both in the sky and in our hearts. Although the LP is already a well-loved tradition, the organisers still feel a touch of tension each year – not only because of the weather, but also because attendance is never guaranteed. At Žalec AEC, too, there was a hint of apprehension at first, but it quickly gave way to pure joy as the stands filled with activity and inspiring performances brought the event to life.
The LP in Radeče unfolded in two parts. The morning programme on Starograjska Street was cut short by a heavy downpour, but the afternoon blossomed beneath clearing skies. Most exhibitors returned, joined by new ones eager to contribute. Speakers highlighted the importance of community cohesion, nurtured and sustained through lifelong learning. Performers of all generations echoed this message with their acts – evoking a sense of nostalgia while celebrating the strength and resilience of the people rooted in this region. Among them were our colleagues from KTRC Radeče, whose dedicated work on LLW and the LP continues to inspire and strengthen the Sopota Valley community year after year.
Zvonka Pangerc Pahernik, MSc (zvonka.pangerc@acs.si), SIAE
The Learning Parade in Slovenj Gradec – a true example of connection and collaboration
My first LP as an SIAE representative took place in Slovenj Gradec, where the MOCIS AEC organised the event. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the lively buzz at the stands. Before the official programme began, I spun a virtual wheel of fortune at one of the stands and won an umbrella – quite handy, considering the unpredictable weather!
Katja Lenart from MOCIS hosted the event with great energy. At the Ksaver Meško Library stand, I had the pleasure of speaking with Zuhra Horvat, this year’s SIAE Award for Lifelong Learning recipient from the Koroška region. In a warm and inspiring conversation, she shared some of her projects, including Reading for Knowledge. We also discussed her journey into aromatherapy and her passion for strengthening community ties.
The event was enriched by heartfelt performances from children and young people, and even the mayor joined in. Slovenj Gradec was filled with warmth, connection and inspiration. This LP undoubtedly showed just how uplifting these events can be.
Špela Bric (spela.bric@acs.si), SIAE
The colours of Dolenjska
Colourful balloons, lively stands and the cheerful bustle in the square outside Novo mesto AEC confirmed my belief in the value of bringing lifelong learning into everyday surroundings – and surprising people along their paths. There was singing and dancing, and people of all generations listened to the speakers, including Mira Madronič, recipient of the SIAE Award for Lifelong Learning 2025, who left us with this heartfelt message: “Surround yourself with people who inspire you.” Gregor Sepaher, the Director of Novo mesto AEC, and Meta Retar Kramar, representative of the Municipality of Novo mesto, reinforced the saying that love (for learning) goes through the stomach by ceremoniously cutting the cake. This joyful celebration also marked the 30th anniversary of LLW.
To close the event, I challenged the audience with a riddle: “What do a book, a head and an umbrella have in common?” Take a moment to think about it – you’ll surely find the answer. Otherwise, catch me sometime and ask – because learning is fun. 😊
Urška Bittner Pipan, MSc (urska.bittner.pipan@acs.si), SIAE
Sincere, joyful and heartfelt in the Styrian capital
Amid the vibrant stands in the charming Vetrinje Mansion in Maribor, I refreshed my first aid knowledge with the help of representatives from the Red Cross. At the stand of the Employment Service of Slovenia, enthusiastic young people asked about career paths, while others explored options for health and well-being. The massage and make-up chairs were especially popular.
On stage, it was delightful to watch Gregor Vajs, the recipient of the SIAE Award for Lifelong Learning 2025, sharpening his public speaking skills as he hosted the event. I was also moved by the story and performance of Marko Soršek – Soki, learning ambassador and founder of his own drumming school. His passion for learning and ability to inspire others were truly infectious. SeneCura Slivnica Care Home residents lured me into dancing, while Simona Keser Šavor’s musical performance had me singing along.
In the second part of the event, Aljoša Bagola took us on a journey toward finding inner peace, speaking openly and sincerely about mental health and burnout.
I am grateful to Irena Urankar, the Director of Maribor AEC, and Polona Lah, the Maribor LP coordinator, for their warm welcome and pleasant company.
Mateja Pečar (mateja.pecar@acs.si), SIAE