On the path to Knowledge at the Days of Slovenian Guidance Centres – ISIO Centres

Do you need new computer knowledge, do you wish to obtain a foreign language certificate, complete or continue your education? Are you planning a personal change or professional career change? We have tried to help the visitors find the answers to these and similar questions about the options for formal and non-formal education at the 15th DSGC—ISIO centres, which took place between 25 and 27 September across Slovenia.

Knowledge opens your wings

In order to make learning and education even more approachable to various groups of adults, all 17 ISIO centres carried out 180 free-of-charge events in various public places during the DSGC where they aimed to provide information to as many adults as possible. The events organised over the course of three days aimed to increase the recognisability of ISIO centres in the local environment and apply the outreach method to present adults with the options for guidance and support available at the centres. We emphasised the positive aspects of lifelong learning.

Most of the centres organised a knowledge stand in one of the shopping centres, in the city square, library or museum for at least one day, and prepared open doors days, workshops and lectures. Lively presentations and resourceful and attractive promotional approaches served to present visitors with the paths to the realisation of their wishes or the satisfaction of their learning needs. We searched for answers to the question of how to overcome the fear or obstacle of restarting one’s education. Certain centres also organised professional employee guidance events.

This year, various shopping centres were again kind enough to host us, free of charge. Four centres (Gorenjska, Ljubljana Urban Region, Novo mesto and Postojna) organised guidance corners as guests at the Festival of the Third Age in Ljubljana.

Spreading the word about ISIO Centres

This year’s DSGC were marked by intensive promotional activity of all organisations participating in ISIO centres. This was especially reflected on social media (#DneviISIO2019), which provided adults with more information. DSGC were also featured in national media, both printed and TV, with most information on the events featured in regional media.

The colourful beat of the DSGC and the dedication of experienced guidance practitioners were also felt by the associates of the SIAE who took part in the organisation and implementation of events; we felt them when visiting the knowledge stands at the shopping centres across Slovenia and at the Festival of the Third Age in Ljubljana.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the ISIO centres for their successful contribution to the spreading of information on guidance activity in their local environment, on social media and elsewhere. We are convinced that they helped light the way to many a visitor with useful information and advice.

Mateja Pečar (mateja.pecar@acs.si), SIAE