Every year, local coordinators across Slovenia organise a vibrant programme of events known as the Learning Parade. Held at the heart of the Lifelong Learning Weeks (LLW) campaign and funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, the events bring together local LLW coordinators and numerous partner organisations to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of learning in all its forms for people of every generation. This year, the Learning Parade took place in seventeen locations across Slovenia. Fifteen events received financial support, while in two locations the organisers funded the events themselves.
The weather could not have been better. On 20 May, sunshine accompanied celebrations across Slovenia as town squares and streets came alive with colour, bustling activity and lively conversation.
Colleagues from the Information and Awareness Unit at the SIAE attended almost every Learning Parade event. Here is a brief summary of their impressions.
Once again, the Learning Parade proved to be an inspiring celebration of lifelong learning, bringing together people of all generations and strengthening the sense of belonging to the community. The events offered a rich combination of educational, cultural, creative, sporting and health-promotion activities, through which participants gained new knowledge, experiences and inspiration for personal growth. The Learning Parade’s special value lay in its open, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, which encouraged people to meet, talk, collaborate and build connections across generations. Exhibition stands, workshops, performances and other accompanying activities showed that learning can be accessible, engaging and closely connected to everyday life. The event reaffirmed that knowledge, creativity, solidarity and collective action make an important contribution to quality of life and to the development of connected, active and learning communities.
Alongside our own impressions, we also listened carefully to what local organisers had to say. We will discuss their ideas, suggestions and proposals for improvement and do our best to incorporate them into next year’s application documentation.
Our sincere thanks go to all organisers for their creativity, inspiring ideas, invited guests, commitment to including all groups of learners and continued efforts to expand the network of lifelong learning advocates. Last but not least, thank you for your warm hospitality – we had a wonderful day.
Ana Peklenik (ana.peklenik@acs.si), SIAE