31st Lifelong Learning Weeks in Slovenia Shine Like the Sun

Less than a month separates us from this year’s Lifelong Learning Weeks (LLW). Last year’s were something special – the 30th anniversary edition. That’s why we combined the events into a Central Ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of Lifelong Learning Weeks. May 15, 2025, was a full-day celebration of learning.

This year, we are following the usual schedule. On May 8, the National Opening of Lifelong Learning Weeks 2026 will take place, featuring the presentation of the 2026 SIAE Award recipients. The event is organized by the SIAE and MOCIS, Adult Education Centre Slovenj Gradec. At the The Slovenj Gradec Culture House, we will gather with well-known advocates of lifelong learning and announce the 12 award recipients selected by regional committees across Slovenia.

Not only does the LLW team at the SIAE have their hands full, but so do this year’s LLW and Learning Parade coordinators. Congratulations to all those selected, and we regret that we could not accept everyone this time. The Learning Parade will take place on May 20 in 17 locations, as some have decided to hold it even though the Ministry of Education is not funding them. We applaud them especially loudly.

Promotional materials are already being printed

During the LLW period between May 8 and June 14, posters will light up in yellow in selected locations and their surroundings. Regional and thematic coordinators approach the organization of LLW and the Learning Parade with exceptional ingenuity every year. We believe that social media will also be flooded with highlights, photos, and impressions with the hashtag #TVU2026. We look forward to their Learning Parade programs so we can publish them as soon as possible.

To make things easier, we have updated our website (in Slovenian) and posted the most important documents: a communication guide, the coordinator’s statement of intent, as well as guidelines, recommendations, and some answers to frequently asked questions.

Let’s feel the power and joy of learning!

Lifelong Learning Weeks are an opportunity to spread optimism. Both those who impart knowledge and those who receive it can gain a skill or two. The LLW calendar will be published soon – there, everyone will be able to find something for themselves. It is especially important, however, to raise awareness about the importance of lifelong learning among those who still dismiss it as not for them. Learning is for everyone.

The values of lifelong learning, which have replaced most of our joint initiatives, were beautifully interwoven with events last year. That is why we are keeping them, and we have also retained Quality Day – a joint initiative of the Quality counsellors’ network in Adult Education. On May 29, representatives of the network will raise awareness about the importance of quality within organizations. They will hold discussions with colleagues, teachers, participants, and partners and present achievements.

Just like last year, we will conclude LLW this year with the announcement of the BEST LLW Story. The recipients of the SIAE 2026 awards have been selected, but their names and achievements are still shrouded in secrecy. We’ll get to know them at the National Opening and immediately invite you to vote for the BEST Story on the Lahko.si website.

The voting is not a competition – all award recipients are equally important! – but rather a way to raise awareness of their extraordinary life stories as widely as possible. That is why we invite you to get to know them and vote for them. On June 15, we will announce the BEST LLW story in Šmarje pri Jelšah and present the recipient with a special sculpture.

Be a part of this story; follow the updates on the LLW website, the SIAE and LLW Facebook pages, the LLW Instagram, and in the SIAE Newsletter!