The treasure of Slovenia is more than its rocks, its meadows, its forests and waters, the real treasure is a people who live the (modernised) tradition, give it a new life and new usage. The heritage is kept alive and its diversity ensures sustainability.

In May the study circles in the scope of the SIAE and the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (Climate Change Funds) organised an exhibition at the Jakopič promenade in Ljubljana. The exhibition shows the lives of study circles, most of which are closely connected with the environment, and their contribution to progress. Preservation of the environment as a value is a trend that is also appreciated by the more and more numerous visitors to Slovenia. It connects with the future in the form of high-tech achievements and springtime activities of study circles in Ljubljana.

The living heritage contributes to sustainability by teaching us how to coexist with each other, with the environment and with time. The study circles, which see an increase in the number of participants thanks to the excellent mentors, express and cultivate this idea.

The exhibition at the 25th anniversary of the study circles reflects the diversity of locations and participants, it expresses the language patterns, the local customs, the variety of organising and learning patterns and also some overlooked or hidden ideas. The technological innovations spread the same message as the heritage – they follow the principles of ecosystems. Reciprocal and complementary relationships within the groups and between the study circles and the local environment have a clear goal – to improve the life of a community in the given environment. Non-formal education is an excellent format, where the responsibility is shared by the participants and the benefits are available to all.

Prof. dr. Nives Ličen, head of the Department of Educational Sciences at  the Faculty of Arts, University of Lubljana said at the official opening of the exhibition on 18 May: “Through all these stories you can really feel the people from smaller towns, their will to live and to learn, and when looking at all these numbers you can only say: some people are really awesome!”

Jože Prah, engineer of forestry and a study circle mentor commenting on the exhibition: “This exhibition was a cherry on top of the incredible work and devotion to the mission by the organisers, the mentors and the participants of study circles who “showed off” our capital city.”

As May turned into June, the exhibition also became part of the celebration of the European Sustainable Development Week and then continued in the virtual space. You can read more about the exhibition at https://sk.acs.si (in Slovenian).

Dr Nevenka Bogataj (nevenka.bogataj@SIAE.si), SIAE