12 December 2014

The latest from Slovenia

IN FOCUS: Slovenian missionary Pedro Opeka Gastronomy: Christmas delicious aromas sports interview: Slovenian athlete Miroslav Cerar Feel 20155

Government Communication Office5 contents editorial

IN FOCUS 12 Slovenian missionary Pedro Opeka Photo: Bruno Toič My mission is to serve the poorest and the neediest – in this I found the meaning of life Photo: Daniel Novaković/STA

Gastronomy 39 Slovenian Holiday Fare Tanja Glogovčan, Executive Editor Christmas delicious aromas

Playing our part in the magic of December

Photo:Mostphotos Once again the year is drawing to an end and we are looking forward to a festive December. It’s a time of year when the city comes alive amidst the glow of the twinkling Christmas lights and decorated buildings. Streets are lined with festive gift and food stalls, luring visitors to feast their eyes on the many attractive products, warm up with a shot of medica (honey liqueur) or a glass of mulled wine, or treat themselves to a cone of roasted chestnuts. There’s cinnamon, chocolate and vanilla in the air, and here and there we hear the year’s end clinking of champagne glasses and the rustling of wrapping paper. From the kitchen wafts the scent of Christmas potica, while sports interview 44 the church bells ring out on Christmas Eve to invite worshipers to Slovenian athlet Miroslav Cerar Midnight Mass. But although our December celebrations may be Sport without values is not a true sport somewhat ritualistic, each December is unique in its own way. And this is largely thanks to the atmosphere of homeliness and mutual understanding.

December is not only the month of overfilled bags: it is also traditionally the month when we dedicate some extra time to taking a look at ourselves and examining what we have done for our Photo: Tamino Petelinšek/STA fellow human beings. Gift-giving may be extended to include less material offerings – of our time, a smile, a hug, a simple handshake or, indeed, concrete assistance. As we become aware of the true essence of Christmas, we trigger this magnificent urge of goodness.

Since we at Sinfo believe in the importance of charity, this issue presents two humanitarian organisations – Caritas Slovenia and the Slovenian Red Cross – which made a significant contribution to relief efforts in the face of the natural disasters that hit Slovenia this year. Sinfo – Slovenian information Fire-fighters and soldiers, too, in rescuing people from collapsed Editor-in-Chief: Nataša Bušljeta, M.Sc. Executive Editor: Tanja Glogovčan and flooded houses, have had a particularly busy year and set a fine Editorial Board: Vesna Žarkovič, Irena Kogoj, Anja Polajnar, Danila Golob, Polona Prešeren, M.Sc. example in helping others. And let’s not forget our – if you’ll excuse Photo Editor: Bojan Pernek the pun – open-hearted blood donors. In Slovenia, this is still one Production: Irena Kogoj Translation: Secretariat-General of the Government of the Republic of of the most common forms of showing solidarity. We also present Slovenia, Translation and Interpretation Division, IOLAR d.o.o. Slovenian missionary Pedro Pablo Opeka, whose humanitarian life Language editing: Amidas Copy writer editing: Marcus Ferrar in Africa offers a lesson in respect for the dignity of each human Printed by: Collegium Graphicum d.o.o., Slovenia, Number of copies: 3500 being. And there are other feature articles to read and enjoy. Photo on the front page: Mostphotos

Government Communication Office:www.slovenia.si All of us at Sinfo extend our best wishes to our readers for a festive Government Communication Office:www.ukom.gov.si Government of the Republic of Slovenia: www.vlada.si holiday season and a happy New Year. May the holiday spirit find SPIRIT: www.slovenia.info Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: www.gzs.si a home in your heart and the forthcoming year bless you with Slovenian Chamber of Craft: www.ozs.si opportunities to serve humanity. In doing so, you will again embrace Ljubljana Stock Exchange: www.ljse.si Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia:www.stat.si the Christmas magic, whatever the time of year!

Sinfo – Slovenian information 3 UNDERLINED Boštjan Lajovic, Director of the Government Communication Office Photo: Stanko Gruden/STA

In times of need Slovenians stand as one

There are various ways of describing Slovenia – green, diverse, undu- Let me again point to the above examples. Voluntary fire-fighting lating, mountainous, Mediterranean, and Pannonian. The same holds brigades have approximately 140 thousand members, accounting for for Slovenians and our national character. We are melancholic, hard- over one-seventh of Slovenia’s population. Firefighters are not only working, critical, athletic, headstrong, adaptable, and the like. Each called on to fight blazes, but also intervene in all natural disasters. of these descriptions is accurate and subjective at the same time, Four times in this year alone Slovenia was hit by heavy floods, which depending on the observer; indeed, in times of global communica- caused enormous material damage and even claimed human lives. If tion and cooperation many stereotypes are rendered unreliable. Pon- not for firefighters, the consequences would have been much worse. dering on the catchword to use in this context to properly describe Fire-fighting has more than a 140-year long history in Slovenia and present-day Slovenia and its people, solidarity is certainly among has been gaining increasing recognition. Rather than being a mere the words that come to mind. Solidarity is a concept, a stance much volunteer activity, fire-fighting has become a social glue, binding -to pronounced in Slovenian mentality, although frequently overlooked, gether people from different generations and social strata. Firefight- miscomprehended, or misinterpreted. Every so often we even de- ers are actively engaged in their local communities and often organise scribe ourselves as individualists incapable of cooperating for the humanitarian, social, cultural, educational, and also entertainment common good. I am convinced that such criticism is superficial and events. unfounded. Slovenia boasts almost 120 thousand regular blood donors, who have Let me list some examples to substantiate my point: firefighters, made Slovenia self-sufficient in the supply of this precious life fluid. blood donors, civil protection members, members of the humani- Donating blood is a voluntary act with no payment; young people tarian organisations Red Cross, Caritas and many others, numerous – even if frequently chided by the elderly as detached from society volunteers have done a wide range of things for the civil society. Their and lacking a sense of solidarity – are increasingly deciding to donate activities are very well developed and have been successful even in blood. Particular groups of blood donors, like students, bikers, ath- the harsh financial and economic situation of recent years, when the letes, managers, and various charities have been organised to attend country has been faced with recession and declining GDP. Such cri- blood donation sessions. ses are likely first to begin to undermine people’s optimism and read- iness to help and solidarity. Slovenia is not much different, save for Volunteering has also been gaining importance in Slovenia. People one important distinction: I believe that the basic feeling of solidarity working for free in various areas perform as much work as 7,250 full- has not been lost. And I do not mean solidarity in the narrow sense time employees; the contribution of volunteering in GDP is grow- as linked only to social and economic issues, but solidarity as form- ing yearly. Eurostat data show that 36 percent of young people aged ing the basis of social justice. The figures prove that Slovenia is -do between 15 and 30 years are engaged in voluntary activities, placing ing well in this respect. Regarding social inequality, Slovenia is found Slovenia fourth among the EU member states. to have the lowest level of social stratification among the EU and OECD countries. Compared to Scandinavian countries with 18% and All these statistics and the seemingly dull figures provide a clear illus- the OECD average of 17%, Slovenia devotes 20% of its GDP to social tration that solidarity remains an important value for Slovenians and transfers. Indeed, these data lead to the question of over-pronounced prove wrong those who claim that we are in a profound moral crisis egalitarianism which can hamper economic performance and have and left in an ethical void. I trust that the magazine you are reading is stirred up a lively debate – but I am going to avoid this topic now. going to convince you of that.

4 Government Communication Office Tanja Glogovčan IN focus

Solidarity now

What is solidarity? Solidarity is the fundamental value of a society in crisis. It is a way of coexistence and an expression of compassion. Solidarity can have various forms. Everyone can choose his/her own way of expressing solidarity. Photo: Mostphotos

Solidarity appears in various ticipating in the lives of other Images of solidarity entice us to Solidarity is also an important value of forms also in Slovenia. The no- persons can be understood as a read and reflect upon this topi- young people in Slovenia. tion of solidarity is, in some fundamental moral obligation, cal subject at a time that is, at instances, not just hot air but a the violation of which leads to least at first glance, far from be- response to the challenges of evil. This is, therefore, the ethi- ing favourable to it. One should the present time faced at vari- cal foundation that must not be aware that solidarity means ous levels by the Slovenian so- be renounced by society. As a mutual responsibility towards ciety and the human society as consequence, it certainly means others. If today we show soli- a whole. Solidarity is important that solidarity, i.e. the successful darity towards others, we will for achieving social equity and overcoming of unilateral pres- benefit from solidarity on their can be countered by exclusion. sures existing between market part. Solidarity is a primary Moreover, in addition to instru- tyranny and social co-respon- binding element of any society, mental value, solidarity also has sibility is a prerequisite for a it is a matter of our choice and an intrinsic, i.e. independent happy society. can only be realised through our value that in the context of par- actions.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 5 in focus interview Polona Prešeren

Slovenians are very responsive and willing to help

When natural disasters hit Slovenia, the role of humanitarian organisations came to the fore. There are many humanitarian organisations in the country, but the principal ones are Caritas Slovenia and the Slovenian Red Cross. Photo: Daniel Novaković/STA

Network of generous donors, volonteers We talked about the role, impor- natural and other disasters. to always be respectful towards and employes share a mission of prevent- tance and mission of these two people who come for help, most- ing suffering. organisations with the President It is also shown through its con- ly by listening, showing empathy of Caritas Slovenia, Msgr Metod cerning itself with the most vul- and compassion, and helping in Pirih, and the Secretary-General nerable groups in society, such as the search of possible solutions of the Slovenian Red Cross, Dr children and the elderly. Caritas and anything positive that could Danijel Starman. includes children in preventive help alleviate distress. programmes and study help. It What are your key missions and also provides school essentials. Red Cross: The fundamental how do you operate? Elderly people are visited by vol- mission of the Slovenian Red Caritas: The key mission of Cari- unteers at the local level, who Cross is to improve the life of vul- The Slovenian Red Cross tas Slovenia is to protect human help them overcome everyday nerable people and protect their is aware that our strength dignity and advocate for the difficulties related to old age. human dignity through the pow- and in fact our ability to poor. It is shown primarily in er of humanity. As the Slovenian fulfil our mission and helping to ensure the material Caritas repeatedly uncovers un- Red Cross is a full member of the needs of economically deprived addressed and professionally International Red Cross and Red carry out many activities people, particularly those who demanding issues regarding ad- Crescent Movement, its mandate comes from voluntarism. fall through the cracks of the diction, violence against women and mission are defined in Ge- state’s welfare system or who, and the victims of trafficking and neva Conventions. They are also despite state assistance, cannot tries to find solutions for them. laid down in the Slovenian Red provide for themselves or over- Both volunteers and employees Cross Act adopted in 1993. come their distress related to of Caritas Slovenia endeavour

6 Government Communication Office in focus interview Photo: Daniel Novaković/STA

The Slovenian Red Cross thus Rtič Youth and Health Resort, the In addition to general charity Red Cross Slovenia volunteers operates in accordance with the only such resort on the Slovenian programmes, Caritas organisa- seven fundamental principles coast, where more than 15,000 tions also implement social pro- of the RCRC Movement, i.e. hu- children per year spend their tection programmes related to manity, impartiality, neutral- holidays or receive treatment. providing assistance to addicts, ity, independence, voluntary maternity homes, the homeless, service, unity and universality. What are the key points of your out-patient clinics for persons It monitors the life of people in operation or your key actions? without health insurance and the local environment and ac- Caritas: The work of the Cari- the victims of trafficking. tively responds to occurrences tas network, which includes of distress and helplessness, par- almost 10,000 volunteers and Caritas Slovenia is also active in ticularly in vulnerable groups, more than 100 employees in providing international humani- such as children and the elderly, 450 parish branches at the na- tarian and development aid in ensures respect for people and tional, regional and local levels the Balkans and Sub-Saharan calls upon others to share a part and three social institutions, is Africa and carries out projects of their good fortune with those very wide and diverse. It is most for raising awareness on global in need. The Slovenian Red Cross clearly presented in the numbers learning. encourages and builds a sense of showing the value of the aid pro- solidarity and understanding for grammes in the preceding year, Red Cross: The Slovenian Red the distress of others, spreads the which last year amounted to Cross exercises public pow- values of health and a healthy EUR 8.1 million. ers that constitute the basis of way of life, and introduces its operation. It carries out ac- planned education and training In 2013 (data for 2014 are not tivities aimed at motivating and for the fulfilment of its mission yet available), Caritas collected recruiting blood donors, organ- and tasks. funds to provide material as- ises first aid courses and exams, sistance to more than 125,000 establishes and trains first aid The Slovenian Red Cross is or- people throughout Slovenia. The units, carries out health protec- ganised as a single national so- majority of material assistance tion measures in cases of natural ciety with 163,643 members. was distributed to families, chil- and other disasters and armed The key mission of Cari- It unites 56 regional Red Cross dren and the elderly in the form conflicts, measures for receiv- tas Slovenia is to protect associations and 887 local or- of food, clothes, hygiene aids, the ing and accommodating evacu- human dignity and ad- ganisations in 12 regions with payment of essential bills and ees and other people at risk, and 14,000 active volunteers. Among school essentials, holidays and other measures contributing to vocate for the poor. those operating within the Slo- various forms of social events. the care of affected people and venian Red Cross is the Debeli people at risk, and performs

Sinfo – Slovenian information 7 in focus interview

wells, since the most important age of active volunteers is getting issue in Africa is drinking water. older, for example. As the length We also responded to natural di- of the working life increases, sasters in Darfur, Sri Lanka and the period when people can do Haiti and the floods in Bosnia labour-intensive charity work is and Herzegovina and Serbia, for getting shorter. The demands of which we raised more than EUR the state at various level of work 800,000 of assistance. and consequently the bureau- cratisation of work in societies Red Cross: The Slovenian Red are increasing, which requires at Cross believes that the solidarity least partial professionalisation. of Slovenian citizens is excep- Individualisation is also on the tasks determined by the Geneva tional, which is shown particu- march, confining people to their Conventions. larly well in times of natural di- own worlds within four walls. sasters, not only at home but also Today’s voluntarism is becoming In addition to public powers, the in cases of large-scale disasters mostly a project inspiration and core of the organisation’s mission abroad (for example those in Sri a challenge, as people are finding are humanitarian programmes, Lanka, Pakistan and the Philip- it increasingly difficult to accept which are a direct humanitarian pines). In 2014 we have carried regular weekly obligations for response to the situation in the out several nationwide humani- a long period of time. Therefore environment and the needs of tarian campaigns to help people education on voluntarism must vulnerable groups of people, in- affected by natural disasters – start in the kindergartens and cluding social activity, preventive the ice storm in Slovenia (Janu- primary schools and continue healthcare, health education and ary/February), floods in Bosnia throughout childhood. A person promotion, working with youth and Herzegovina (May), floods who experiences the richness of and education for humanity, and in Serbia (May), floods in Croa- voluntary work in their youth the organisation of holidays. In tia (May), and floods in Slovenia will also be active later in life. We introducing new programme ac- (September/October) – raising a are glad that Caritas has many tivities, the Slovenian Red Cross total of EUR 738,296.21. active young volunteers. For ex- establishes connections and ample, more than 110 animators works with other institutions Recently, the solidarity of Slo- participate in the organisation of and organisations, individuals venians has also been shown children’s holidays. and international entities. through their providing assis- tance in dealing with increas- Red Cross: We most often mea- Slovenia has recently been hit ingly serious social distress and sure solidarity by the amount of by several natural disasters (ice growing poverty in Slovenia collected funds or material as- storms and floods). Do you con- caused by the harsh economic sistance, but there are many Slo- sider that Slovenians are gener- and social conditions. venians who are willing to help ally willing to lend a hand and with their work, knowledge and help each other? Since the second half of 2008, experience. The Slovenian Red Caritas: Slovenians are very re- the Slovenian Red Cross has been Cross is aware that our strength sponsive and willing to help. faced with an increasing number and in fact our ability to fulfil Particularly developed are of applicants for and recipients of our mission and carry out many neighbourly help and the care for assistance. In the last five years, activities comes from volun- common good at the local level, the number of recipients of ma- tarism. Therefore the promotion, where Slovenia has many active terial assistance has increased by nurturing and development of societies. The response to collec- 51,011. We have to be aware that voluntarism has priority in our tions of material assistance is al- without this solidarity and cer- humanitarian organisation. The ways amazing, with tangible gifts tain socially responsible compa- volunteers of the Red Cross, who of clothes, food and drink and nies, the hardships of some peo- are active throughout Slovenia, other essentials. Such responses ple would have been even worse. are constantly in touch with the are particularly generous when users of our services and thus The Slovenian Red Cross natural and other disasters take We pride ourselves on the high ensure an effective response to place. This was the case, for ex- rate of voluntarism and solidar- actual needs of persons or groups believes that the solidar- ample, when floods occurred in i t y. that find themselves in distress. ity of Slovenian citizens Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Caritas: The volunteers of Caritas They are present and willing to is exceptional, which is Serbia. Fundraising charity cam- alone do more than half a mil- help even when their lives are in paigns can also be very effective lion hours of voluntary work per danger and in places where often shown particularly well and successful if they are well year. If we add fire-fighters, the no one else can be found. in times of natural di- covered by the media. Red Cross, retirees and chronic sasters, not only at home patients’ societies, this number Finally, the Slovenian Red Cross For the last 10 years, we have becomes really quite impres- can also use as a measure of but also in cases of large- been running the “For the Heart sive. There are also many ev- solidarity the number of blood scale disasters abroad. of Africa” campaign, built on our eryday acts of neighbourly soli- donors, who with their unpaid, good working relationship with darity that are never recorded. voluntary and anonymous blood Slovenian missionaries, through However, volunteer organisa- donations make sure that there is which we help the poorest to tions, including Caritas, are fac- an uninterrupted supply of blood build schools, hospitals and also ing great challenges. The average for all patients in Slovenia.

8 Government Communication Office Irena Kogoj in focus

Blood Donation Modern methods of communication with blood donors ensure optimal management of blood supplies

Blood donation is certainly one of the noblest forms of help we can give to a fellow human being. With its number of blood donors, Slovenia ranks within the European average; however, it is of utmost importance that Slovenia is self-sufficient in its blood supply requirements. This means that we can cover the needs for blood in our health care system ourselves. Photo: Mostphotos

Slovenia boasts a very well devel- life after an accident. This means tional blood donation campaign Male donors can give blood every three oped program of blood donation, a that on average we need 350 blood organiser, while the Blood Trans- months and female donors every four long and successful tradition with donors every working day. With fusion Centre of Slovenia (ZTM) is months. a well-organised blood donation their voluntary blood donation, responsible for the collection, pro- system; a sufficient number of they contribute to the preserva- cessing, testing and supply of safe blood donors and a high willing- tion of health of fellow human be- and compatible blood and blood Slovenia boasts a very ness of people to donate blood as ings and of course help to prevent products to patients. well developed program well as modern methods of com- death. of blood donation, a long munication with blood donors. Despite the divergent blood trans- The Slovenian Red Cross is re- fusion services in Slovenia we and successful tradition Every 5 minutes, someone in Slo- sponsible for recruiting and en- have been able to overcome the with a well-organised venia needs blood, either for a suring an adequate number of organisational decentralisation blood donation system. planned operation or for saving a blood donors and is also the na- and combine the supplies

Sinfo – Slovenian information 9 in focus Photo: Mostphotos

The demand for a particular blood group of all three transfusion institu- levels and adapting to the current all supporters of blood donation corresponds to the distribution of blood tions (ZTM in Ljubljana, Centre needs for blood and maintenance and enables communication be- groups in a population. of Transfusion Medicine Maribor of supplies is a complex task, tween existing and future blood and Centre of Transfusion Medi- which requires constant monitor- donors and the professional and cine Celje ), which means that we ing and endeavour by all those re- general public. deal with blood responsibly and sponsible for the blood supply. rationally. With the publication of That Slovenia displays innovative actual current requirements and The mobile application “Daruj kri” and modern approaches to com- supplies of blood on the web pages (“Donate blood”), which reminds munication with its blood donors www.ztm.si and www.daruj-kri. blood donors when they can again was recognised at the 1st Euro- Blood donors now ac- si, the organisation of blood do- give blood, shows up-to-date pean Congress DOMAINE (Donor tively cooperate and help nors in Slovenia has moved to an blood requirements and the loca- Health & Management) held in to mantain blood supply even higher level. Blood donors tions and operating times of blood The Hague (3 – 5 September 2014), now actively cooperate and help donation campaigns, is a further where the Blood Transfusion Cen- levels by deciding to give to maintain blood supply levels upgrade of the partnership with tre of Slovenia received the Con- blood based on prevailing by deciding to give blood based on blood donors. All data can also be gress award for their presentation needs. prevailing needs. Ensuring appro- found on the Facebook page “Da- of achievements in the area of priate and optimal blood supply ruj kri”, which successfully links blood donation campaigns.

10 Government Communication Office Anja Polajnar in focus

Slovenians busy with humanitarian and development work in Africa

Slovenians like to talk about their top athletes, fine scientists and cultural figures, but we are proud too of the significant number of people engaged in humanitarian and development activities. Photo: T anja Matheis

This article puts the spotlight on based social enterprise, with its his main focus has been the Maja with the African kids. four such people who have de- ideology based on his studies “Gorilla Highlands” initiative, cided to dedicate themselves to in Uganda and the influence of which promotes the south- this work. They return to Africa African intellectuals during his western part of the country. By time and time again. Some spend Master’s study there. drawing attention to extraordi- summers there as volunteers, nary natural beauty and aston- while others, smitten by the Edirisa (meaning “window” in ishing history of these places, mysterious charms of this con- the Ugandan language) is ba- running treks and organising This summer, after many tinent, even make their homes sically intended to change the other activities, he hopes to sig- years, Maja Drobne’s there. image of Africa. According to nificantly increase the number Miha, this is definitely a con- of travellers to Uganda. Their wish has finally come Africa - an inspiring envi- tinent with specific problems, activities are designed in such true. Engaged in a project ronment but it is also an inspiring envi- a manner that most of the fi- run in Slovenia by Zavod ronment where many positive nancial support goes directly “Hmm, isn’t it that rather a Slo- and interesting things happen. into the hands of poor rural Voluntariat, the Institute venian approach: to place the And it is not only Europeans communities. Also the arrivals for International Volun- nation’s self-respect or the in- but also, unfortunately, Africans of visitors prove that Uganda is tary Work, she travelled terest in its own culture at the themselves who have to be con- worthy of interest and that the centre of development proj- vinced about that. Miha Logar inhabitants of that country can to Benin, a small country ects?”, wonders Miha Logar, the has been living in Uganda since be proud of what their culture in Western Africa. director of Edirisa, a Uganda- 2000 and in the past few years and country can offer. Miha has

Sinfo – Slovenian information 11 in focus Photo: S ociety ELA archives

It’s a school time. devoted particular attention to Uganda, she took a job at Edirisa of Malawi. There, she and her the tribe of Batwa Pygmies, who and used her own salary to start friend Bernarda Nemec estab- were forced out of the national running a project of agricultural lished the ELA organisation parks twenty years ago. They assistance to the Batwa commu- to help children with special are still in a desperate situation, nity. She assisted in the renova- needs. With donations from the with alcoholism making it even tion of the Special Needs Educa- Ecologists without Borders As- worse – the ever-repeating sto- tion Centre in Uganda, intended sociation, the ELA built its own ry of the Australian and Ameri- for children with special needs, educational and cultural centre can aborigines... Tourism is one who are generally looked down in 2011. Each morning, the cen- From August 2011 to the of few possibilities to earn some on as inferior because of their tre runs educational workshops present day, Jana has money, though it must be un- differences and who were living to help children with special lived in the central Afri- derpinned by a respectful and in unbearable conditions. She needs who attend free public can country of Malawi. rational approach. taught them how to plant crops schools but have major learn- and helped with basic teaching ing issues. And each afternoon, There, she and her friend Help for children with spe- aids. During the first year of liv- ELA’s centre, assisted by both Bernarda Nemec estab- cial needs ing in Tanzania, she assisted in the regularly employed teachers lished the ELA organisa- the project of building a school and Slovenian volunteers, runs Jana Dular has been living in for Maasai children in the region educational workshops, where tion to help children with Eastern Africa since 2008, run- of Manyara. From August 2011 about 200 village children learn special needs. ning various humanitarian to the present day, Jana has lived reading, writing, mathematics, projects. When she first came to in the central African country English and so on. In this way

12 Government Communication Office in focus Photo: Marcus W estberg

Jana brightens the lives of many was drawn up for the activities a group of women engaged in Miha Logar children with a lot of positive to be performed by the centre the transformation of various energy, love and attention and for the benefit of the inhabit- products which are produced teaches them to have faith in ants, mainly women from the from the crops grown in the lo- themselves and their abilities. local community. Maja Ladič cal environment. The concepts was so fascinated by the local of home address and bank ac- Fascinated by the local envi- environment and the women counts are unknown to the ronment she met there that, after coming people living in the village: they back from Rwanda, she contin- have a completely different way It was in 2009 when Maja Ladič ued her work on development of life and are honest, genuine first ventured into Rwanda, a projects with the Peace Insti- and know how to live with each country perhaps best known for tute. They have just completed other. Their pace of life is slow, the genocide of 1994. As a vol- their sixth project and Maja has without stress and they know unteer, she held interviews with already paid her seventh visit to how to enjoy small things. Euro- women from the local commu- Rwanda. peans are reproached for lead- nity, where the Nyamirambo ing a vertical and individual life, Women’s Centre was already in They all know each other, whereas there people still live place. The centre became op- help each other horizontally – they all know erational in 2007 with the assis- each other, help each other. tance of the Peace Institute. This summer, after many years, There “a human is a human to Maja Drobne’s wish has finally a human”. The experience from Miha Logar has been liv- In the interviews, women talked come true. Engaged in a project Africa has had a profound influ- ing in Uganda since 2000 about their lives, the challenges run in Slovenia by Zavod Vol- ence on Maja, making her realise and issues that they have been untariat, the Institute for Inter- that a hot shower and access to a and in the past few years facing, and about their needs. national Voluntary Work, she refrigerator are not things to be his main focus has been Most of them drew attention to travelled to Benin, a small coun- taken for granted. That the hon- the “Gorilla Highlands” poverty, lack of education, il- try in Western Africa. Her work est smiles of children who do initiative, which pro- literacy, lack of knowledge of primarily focused on workshops not know what an iPad is mean the law and of their rights, and with children and teenagers on far more than a perfect internet motes the south-western a lack of the skills that would healthy lifestyles, nutrition, and connection. And that for a hap- part of the country. enable them to earn a basic in- learning about nature and the py life we actually need signifi- come and to survive. Based on environment in which they live. cantly less than we might think. these interviews, a proposal Additionally, she worked with

Sinfo – Slovenian information 13 in focus Vesna Žarkovič

Slovenian missionary Pedro Opeka My mission is to serve the poorest and the neediest – in this I found the meaning of life

Charismatic priest Pedro Opeka, together with his co-workers from the Akamasoa organisation, made possible to more than 23,000 homeless people to start a new life with schools, health care, their own homes and jobs. Fight against poverty, promo- tion of moderate consumption and environmental protection make Pedro Opeka a global example for solving the world’s gravest problems. Photo: Daniel Novaković/STA

Pedro Opeka was nominated for Nobel Peace Prize in 2012.

14 Government Communication Office in focus Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA

In an effort to learn more about frastructure for villages in their 2012, statistics have increased Pedro Opeka visited Slovenia. He spoke the world, especially the poor, new “communities of friends” to over 23,000 villagers, includ- about poverty in Madagascar and his he hitchhiked as a student or Akamasoa. ing more than 10,000 children work. through most European coun- and over 300,000 transients, tries, as well as in Morocco and From modest beginnings in who received temporary help. Israel, and even sold shoes in 1989, Pedro’s projects have In cooperation with Akamasoa, Harlem, New York. His uplift- grown by leaps and bounds which he had founded, four ing adventures and his subse- maternity wards, as well as four quent work among the poorest Former garbage people have general hospitals for the poor of the poor have been vividly achieved human dignity by whom no one would treat were described in many books in means of hard work, develop- established, built in areas of the various languages (French, Ger- ing self-esteem and a sense of greatest need, from the capital man, Slovenian, Spanish, and responsibility for themselves city of Antananarivo to remote, English). Pedro soon noticed the and for the entire communi- isolated rural areas over 900 extreme poverty in the slums ty. The world began to notice! kilometres or 560 miles away, of the city and discovered the In 2005, visiting journalists where properly trained native degradation of the “garbage of Paris Match magazine de- staff, physicians, dentists, mid- people,” scavenging the gar- scribed about 17,000 of Pedro’s wives and nurses care for the bage disposal hills trying to find people who had been rescued indigent patients. During the last something to eat or to sell. He from slow death on the trash year alone 35,890 patients were decided that no one should live hills of Antananarivo, Mada- treated! in such extreme degradation gascar, and proudly worked in My message is one of and that his first task should be various shops, on farms and in I bring the joy of my life solidarity, of sharing to help these poorest of the poor. the quarry, while over 8,000 of Thus, he obtained some land their children received surpris- “I bring the joy of my life. This what we have, because and persuaded the first group ingly good education in schools is not a fake joy, it comes from the wealth we have has of the most destitute to leave established by Pedro. And experience from living in Mada- been given to us to share, the slums and trash hills and there was Pedro’s Akamasoa’s gascar for 40 years. It is prob- because what I don’t improve their lot by becoming Welcome Center where about ably hard to imagine that talents farmers. He taught men how to 200,000 transients have by then and charisma can be success- need goes to waste. make brick and become brick- received food, clothing, medi- fully utilised in such a poor area layers, building homes and in- cal care and counselling. By as a dump in Madagascar. On

Sinfo – Slovenian information 15 in focus Photo: Domen Grögl/STA

Love, taste for risk, spirit of adventure, but the contrary, there they can be What do you recommend to Americans live better lives than also free and provocative speech, freedom even more pronounced. Here, Europe and Slovenia? others and why should all econ- of action and thought. These words rightly you have strong material foun- omies serve the American econ- portray Father Pedro. dations, but weak values, and “The crisis was expected. Those omy? If the trust in the economy wealth lulls humans and kills all who were able to consider the is not restored, there is no future initiatives. Your future is secure situation in the long-term knew for it. at least for a couple of months, that our egoistic economy was The egoistic economy hit a wall while there we live from one reckless. We didn’t know how to and something new needs to day to the next. In poorer plac- share, and in abnormal comfort be discovered. And we will dis- es people are happier, sim- our standards of living were too cover something. Values, such as pler, more accessible and open. high. We exploited land, spent solidarity, equality and fairness, When people are poor and lose money and lived fake lives. We offer a way out of this crisis and everything, when masters throw took loans for everything and jobs should be provided to peo- them on the street and when led unrealistic lives. When this I bring the joy of my life. ple. Such economy is possible. families live in inhumane condi- stopped somewhere, everything This is not fake joy, but We need to consider every hu- tions, they can come to us. They collapsed. Economy must be man being and every country.” comes from experience explain their situation and if we built on work, reality and fair- from living in Mada- see that they are telling the truth ness. Current economy was built According to Opeka all dumps gascar for 40 years. It is and truly want to escape pov- on artificial basis and was there- in the world should be closed.” erty, their families are accepted fore not able to last. The objective We are fighting for that in Mada- probably hard to imagine immediately. Our association of large companies is not creat- gascar. This shows no respect that talents and charisma currently has 17,000 members, ing jobs but ensuring fast earn- for human beings. Nobody can can be successfully uti- who live with us, but we have ings and becoming rich with the convince us that you can survive helped more than 300,000 peo- least amount of effort. The richer lised in such a poor area at a dump. This is not dignified. ple already. In 20 years we have the companies got, the more Funds for schooling the children as a dump in Madagascar. built more than 3,000 houses. they laid off employees, thus in- were donated by good people. Everyone can become member creasing the poverty. However, our job is to tell the of the association under three If the whole world lived by people that assistance from the conditions: they need to work, American standards, we would outside is limited and will cease the education and schooling of need six Earths. And why at some point. We encourage children are obligatory and they wouldn’t we all live by the them to stand on their own two have to accept our discipline.” same standards, why would the feet.”

16 Government Communication Office Vesna Žarkovič, Photo: Tomo Križnar archives in focus

Tomo Križnar Those who think well should be loud

With his early realization that today’s consumer society is based on exploitation, he began to travel the world and get to know and appreciate other ways of life. He found that ethnic groups that do not participate in capitalist consumerism are existentially threatened by hunger for resources in our greed-dominated world.

At the beginning of the 1980s, shown outstanding commit- and is critical of the byways of Slovenian humanitarian and indigenous he abandoned a promising ca- ment to the rescue and preser- globalisation and global cor- rights activist Tomo Križnar is this year’s reer in the biggest electronics vation of our Blue Planet. The porations which are being led winner of the Ethecon award. firm in the then-still Yugoslavia award is given to people who are only by their profit. It has been and began to oppose inhuman truly committed to protection of awarding the Blue and Black predators with his journalistic human ethics. Besides the Blue Planet Awards since 2006. talent as a writer, film-maker Planet Award, the German en- and photographer. vironmental organization also It is necessary to go to Af- awards the Black Planet Award, rica Slovenian humanitarian and which was this year given to It is wrong that in our indigenous rights activist Tomo board members and sharehold- On his travels to Africa, he is country we live only for Križnar is this year’s winner ers of the Dow Chemical chemi- selflessly venturing to danger- fun and pleasure. Humans of the Ethecon award. Križnar cal group for their responsibility ous zones not only to protect was chosen by the interna- for the chemical disaster in the indigenous people, but to teach were always driven by tional Foundation for Ethics & Indian city of Bhopal. The Ethe- them to defend themselves from something more than just Economy (Ethecon) as the win- con Foundation was created at oppressors, be they Arabs, Chi- relaxation and pleasure. ner of the Blue Planet Award the turn of the millennium. It nese, or Europeans, trying to 2014. With this award, Ethecon advocates for social justice and seize their land, and the natural honours individuals who have protection of human rights, resources it hides within.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 17 in focus

Slovenian humanitarian and indigenous “It is necessary to go to Africa, by the images of the victims of Why Africa? rights activist Tomo Križnar is this year’s to Sahel, and tell the world what the European domination, both winner of the Ethecon award. is going on there. It is necessary colonial and neo-colonial im- “Because it is the largest sacrifi- to help, so that people will not perialism. “I was upset because cial altar of humanity. The pre- have to flee to Europe, but will people here misunderstand oth- vailing mindset is that if anyone create conditions which would er cultures, and by the prevailing should die first, it should be the enable them to work and sup- stereotypes, especially aimed at Africans, because they are the port their families at home. The indigenous people. A number of most lazy and neglected, and time has come for actions, not books have been written about because they resemble primates discussions. The award ceremo- other nations, but all from the the most. When I try to inspire ny will certainly give me the op- Eurocentric point of view. I felt people here for the values of the portunity to inform the public of the need to talk about my own Africans, I see that they don’t the actual conditions, and to call experiences from my travels to want to understand me at all. for action. I do feel satisfaction Iran, Afghanistan, Indonesia, the They think I am naive. We al- that we had been noticed, but Central America; people there low and encourage conflicts we should have been noticed invite you into their homes, so that we can exploit them. by those who have the power and they give, instead of trying We are now competing with to act. I do hold hope that due to take. And what they give are the Chinese, who have an even to this award my voice will be stories from their history, and stronger strategy – kill a slave heard. We needed a long time what we, the white people did to with a slave, which is currently to start protecting endangered them. It reminds me of the Ro- happening in Sudan. All conti- animal species, and obviously man Empire, which crumbled nents are getting on their feet, We look down upon peo- the innocent human indigenous not because of the barbarians at except for Africa. Wherever you way of life will be the last in the empire borders, but because look south of the Sahara, there is ple living down there, the line. I fear the reason is the fact of the decay from the inside, and fire and war. Africa as the cradle historical victims of our that we still feel endangered by the general exaggeration of the of humanity and Europe as the conquests, and consider them, although they had al- last elites. I notice the same ma- cradle of humanism should them dangerous, and a ready been beaten.” terialistic attitude by us. We look work hand in hand. United we down upon people living down can do more. I currently host threat to ourselves. Since he is a very emotional and there, the historical victims of the humanitarian coordinator sensitive person, he was not our conquests, and consider Suleiman Jammous from Dar- able to forget it once he returned them dangerous, and a threat to fur, who is seriously ill, and his into “our bunker in the North ourselves.” family. We learn so much from of the planet”. He was haunted one another. Especially that

18 Government Communication Office in focus

they are people just like you and Africa notice that despite all the peers who are only waiting for Tomo Križnar with the friends. me. They are not barbarians, but hardship, people there are still their pensions. This is a tragedy only more cautious and con- joyful and full of life. I wish for for my generation which was trolled with many things than the cooperation of all mankind, so promising. We were the first we are. and not only one global power. with the opportunity to go into We shouldn’t even be talking the world and experience oth- How can people kill them- about races – they do not exist. er cultures, in which we were selves here where we lack Races only exist in the imagina- searching for answers to funda- nothing? tion of a white man who needs mental questions. an excuse for extermination. We It is also interesting that there are should be developing humani- There is where you see that will very few suicides in Africa. This tarianism, not weapons. What which cannot be found here, the is something that is completely gives us the right to be the world’s will to live and to enthuse oth- unknown to indigenous people police force? We have achieved ers. You have to fight to preserve from the Nuba Mountains. “How nothing with these military ad- some idealism and enthusiasm. can people kill themselves here ventures. As our greatest poet This is the major challenge, so where we lack nothing?” And France Prešeren said: those who that you don’t fall into a collec- here is where Africa can help think well should be loud, but tive depression that prevails in us. Most of the people who visit are hardly heard. I look at my our sold cultures.

Tomo Križnar: “Yet another example of the latest atrocity: on 31 October, more than 200 girls and women were raped in the village of Tabit in Darfur. 16,000 UN soldiers, who are present in Nowhere in the world can Darfur, but closed in the UNO fortress, have again failed completely. Since nobody is protecting the civilians, we are calling upon humanity to organize a protection system using pilotless air- you find more of such zeal, crafts. Since January last year, the Tomo Križnar Foundation and the HOPE Humanitarian Or- such enthusiasm, such a ganization have been experimenting with small inexpensive drones on the ground in the Nuba will to live, such willing- Mountains. At the same time, we are lobbying with governmental and non-governmental or- ness to give up apathy and ganizations all around the world and finishing the production of the documentary film “Drones above the roots of mankind” with the aim of gaining the attention of the broader civil society. collective depression than We have also issued the calendar of the Tomo Križnar Foundation and the HOPE Humanitarian in Africa. Organization to gather funds for directing and editing the documentary film.”

Sinfo – Slovenian information 19 in focus Milena Dobnik Jeraj, Photo: Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Archives

International assistance and solidarity during disasters A friend in need is a friend indeed

During the devastating floods causing destruction this year in several countries, also in Slovenia, as well in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia solidarity was shown among neighbours and community members and through selfless work of firemen, Civil Protection and other rescue services, Armed and Police Forces and everyone who offered help to save what can be saved. International assistance was of great importance due to large scale consequences, which could not be mitigated by affected countries themselves.

The meaning of international solidarity In the event of natural disas- solidarity. However, in case of lished as the main operational was also experienced in Slovenia in Febru- ters, which have become more large-scale disasters, interna- framework facilitation coordi- ary 2014. frequent and stronger in recent tional help is also needed. In an nated assistance of the partici- years, people do not only lose increasingly globalised world, pating states to victims of natu- material assets, but also their where even disasters have no ral and man-made disasters in family members, their homes limits, international mecha- Europe and elsewhere. ... everything. Quick assistance nisms have been established from individuals and an effec- that mitigate the consequences In this context, the Emergency tive response from national in- of disasters and enable quick Response Coordination Centre stitutions and rescue services and coordinated assistance. In operating within the European can prevent them from los- the spirit of European solidarity, Commission in Brussels as an ing the one last thing in times the European Union Civil Pro- operational hub monitor the of hardship – trust in human tection Mechanism was estab- emergencies around the globe

20 Government Communication Office in focus

24/7, exchanges information, for the municipalities in Bos- Postojna, municipal buildings in receives requests and coordi- nia and Herzegovina and Ser- the sleet-stricken area and larg- nates assistance offered by the bia was also provided by sister er residential buildings or re- Mechanism Participating States. and other municipalities from mote villages where the supply In case of major disaster, an EU Slovenia, which sent fire units of electricity was cut. Foreign Assessment and Coordination and equipment for rescuing, rescuers also helped their Slo- Civil Protection Team can be de- water pumping and cleaning of venian colleagues, firemen and ployed to the disaster stricken flooded areas. Together the mu- others, clean and remove the country. nicipalities of Celje, Škofja Loka, consequences of the disaster. Radovljica, Ljubljana and Mari- The whole of Europe offer- bor sent more than 100 firemen He gives twice who gives ing help and other rescue service staff. quickly This has been the largest assis- When Serbia, Bosnia and Her- tance intervention of Slovenian In the first days of sleet, there zegovina and Croatia experi- rescuers abroad so far and was were around 180 foreign rescu- enced a thousand-year flood carried out professionally and ers on average per day in Slo- in May 2014, the inhabitants of courageously. The great wish of venia, while a total number of the flooded areas were not left rescuers, many of them being 644 rescuers from abroad par- alone, as almost the whole of volunteers, to participate in res- ticipated in the intervention. In Europe offered to help. Numer- cue interventions, is to be em- most teams, the rescuers worked ous rescue units from 23 Euro- phasised, as many of them left shifts consisting of a few days, pean countries helped evacuate their jobs to help people in need as they were mostly volunteers. and save people, animals and as volunteers. The Administration of the Re- properties, pumped water and public of Slovenia for Civil Pro- removed other consequences A quarter of Slovenians left tection and Disaster Relief pro- of floods in the flooded areas. without electricity due to vided accommodation, food and Together they saved more than sleet other necessary host country 2,000 people ... by boats, heli- support. Support to foreign units copters or in any other possible The meaning of international was also offered by municipal way. solidarity was also experi- and regional Civil Protection enced in Slovenia when almost headquarters, local communi- When Serbia and Bosnia and a quarter of Slovenia’s popula- ties, professional and volunteer Herzegovina requested interna- tion was left without electricity firemen, employees of electric tional assistance, the Slovenian due to the serious consequences power companies and others. government decided without of sleet in February 2014. On Embassies of the sending coun- hesitation to send most needed 2 February 2014, Slovenia re- tries in Slovenia had a major role help to the flooded area – high quested international assistance in this regard. Slovenia’s inhab- capacity water pumps and wa- in the form of high-power elec- itants who were left without ter rescue units. The assistance tric generators through the Eu- electricity were deeply grateful was quick and effective ropean Union Civil Protection for the assistance and warmly thanks to the rescuers who im- Mechanism. Numerous coun- welcomed foreign rescuers, who mediately responded to the tries immediately responded carried out their work in an ex- request of the Administration to the request. Several border tremely selfless and professional The meaning of interna- of the Republic of Slovenia for municipalities from Austria and manner, possibly with a hot cup Civil Protection and Disaster Italy, non-governmental and of tea. Austrian firemen even tional solidarity was also Relief, which organised and other organisations providing brought their own kitchen and experienced in Slovenia coordinated Slovenian assis- generators for individual use prepared warm meals together when almost a quarter of tance. In virtually half a day, also showed solidarity. In total, with the locals in Cerknica. The Slovenia’s population was the assistance for Serbia was Slovenia received assistance in experience from the disasters ready and the first Civil Protec- the form of 172 electric genera- shows that the proverbs “He left without electricity tion unit was deployed there on tors from 11 countries: Austria, gives twice who gives quickly” due to the serious conse- 16 May 2014 and to Bosnia and the Czech Republic, Croatia, It- and “A friend in need is a friend quences of sleet in Febru- Herzegovina the following day aly, Hungary, Germany, Poland, indeed” are true. The rescuers Three helicopters of the Slove- Romania, Slovakia, Serbia, the who give up everything and go ary 2014. nian Armed and Police Forces U.S.A. Assistance was also of- help people in another country were also sent to both countries. fered by some other countries, during a natural disaster provide In total, 148 rescuers, Civil Pro- but it was no longer needed. proof that solidarity and sense of tection, Slovenian Armed and International generators pro- helping others are still alive to- Police Forces staff, offered assis- vided electricity for some public d ay. tance in multiple rotations. Help facilities such as the hospital in

Sinfo – Slovenian information 21 in focus Vesna Žarkovič, Photo: Adkrajine archives

Work brigades Do you remember, comrades?

The times of youth work brigades were in many ways as exceptional and unique as the situation in the country, especially immediately after World War II. Youth voluntary work brought together young people, full of ideals, will, power and enthusiasm for work. We can say that voluntary work of all generations of those times in many ways overcame problems that were, also due to the cancellation of the Marshall Plan, more numerous than they should have been.

Work brigade These were not just the ideals work actions, since we live in a 64 volunteers revitalized the – as it is known best by those completely different situation. central open space between who, with the help of briga- But the values of working bri- residential blocks in only one This is how, after 30 diers, obtained access to drink- gades of solidarity and volun- week. During the work bri- years, the first new work ing water, landscaped roads and tarism are still present in which gade, the green and the central brigade ReNewTown laid telephone lines, and re- the need for basic physical work open space between residential Velenje 2012 was created. ceived selfless neighbourhood is getting smaller and smaller. blocks in the local community and general human assistance, of Gorica in Velenje were revi- During the construction, either in need during natural Renovation of public space talized. The new image was en- new friendships were disasters or due to loneliness with work brigades sured under the European proj- made among the volun- in old age, etc. Of course, from ect ReNewTown, the purpose today´s perspective, it would be After three decades, the spirit of which is to create a balanced teers aged between 30 pointless to build basic infra- of volunteering has again come development of towns or their and 65 years. structure in Slovenia with youth to life in Velenje. Two years ago, parts from the period

22 Government Communication Office in focus

of socialism (1945-1989). In the the Municipality of Velenje, and person or 3 working days of 8 All of them agreeing on one thing; team- municipality of Velenje, the in- were joined by the employees of hours. In the vicinity of the site, work is extremely important for the suc- vestment of EUR 38,500 revived the municipality and other resi- following the model of former cess of the project. work brigades, which 50 years dents. This is how, after 30 years, work brigades, the brigadiers set ago already helped the town of the first new work brigade Re- up a dining room, offices, toilets Velenje to grow. The purpose NewTown Velenje 2012 was cre- and beds. After the morning of the renovation of a concrete ated. During the construction, coffee, the volunteers got to- location under this project was new friendships were made gether, raised the flag, formed to find and explore today´s po- among the volunteers aged be- working groups and distributed tentials of work brigades, which tween 30 and 65 years. With different tasks. Volunteering seemed an archaic concept – a this project they were able to is certainly one of the forms of part of another system and time. achieve the objective of creating assistance which gives you per- a development model or intro- sonal fulfilment, but of course It has been over 30 years since ducing a model of good practice this appreciation and the desire Of course, from today´s the last major work brigade in that could be used in other Slo- “to grow through giving” dif- perspective, it would be Velenje, so the Brigadier As- venian and European cities. fer from person to person. One pointless to build basic sociation Velenje intended to week may be enough for major mark the anniversary with a 64 participating volunteers ex- changes, both in space and in infrastructure in Slovenia larger work action. They were ecuted a total of 1,567 hours of the perception of and attitude with youth work actions, pleased to accept the proposal of work, i.e. 24 hours of work per towards volunteering. since we live in a com- pletely different socio- economic and political If youth work actions were absent of all the physical work and the concern for political in- doctrination, which has not been present in Slovenia at least in the recent period (after 1986), situation, in which the we would get youth gatherings in support of solidarity, intercultural learning, tolerance, over- need for basic physical coming prejudices, etc. Today, such events, involving thousands of young people from all over work is getting smaller Europe and also from the rest of the world, are quite numerous. For example, one such event and smaller. against racism, xenophobia, anti-semitism and intolerance was organized by the Council of Europe in 1995 in Strasbourg.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 23 in focus Danila Golob

Ziferblat A place for social interaction that we create together

A wooden tree house...do you still remember? Childhood, you and your closest friends, conversations, games, collecting things, laughter, joy, secret whispers … when you enter the world of Ziferblat, you become a part of it and it soon seems like you are in a tree house for grown-ups. Photo: Jaka Birsa

At the till, you choose one clock that tracks On a cold November morning, my on one of the walls, while oth- the minutes. At the till, there is a your time spent at Ziferblat. friend and I decided to grab a cup ers are still empty and waiting for shelf with colourful clocks and of coffee at the Ljubljana Zifer- new stories, which have yet to be each visitor chooses one to keep blat. Right away at the door, we written. An old typewriter waits track of their time spent in Ziferb- were greeted by an amiable fellow for you to write a line or two on lat. I chose a small red alarm clock named Kristjan who invited us in an empty sheet of paper, in one of named Matiček. We stayed for and told us that everything there the rooms a guitar and piano invite about an hour, which just flew by First and foremost Zifer- was free, and that you only pay for musicians to play a tune, and there in this delightful place with great blat is a place of freedom, the time you spend there. At first it is also a corner for chess players company. where you can do any- feels like you have entered a living and those who love putting jigsaw thing as long as you don’t room full of memories. There is an puzzles together. In the kitchen When projects bring people armchair which looks like your nook, Kristjan taught me how to closer together interfere with the free- grandmother’s, a tennis racket, make a real café style cup of cof- dom of other people. just like the one your friend used fee on the coffee machine, and in- Maša Pavoković, manager and to have is hanging on the wall, vited me to make my own break- creative director of Ljubljana and on the shelf there is a metal fast. I could choose from cereal, Ziferblat, who is full of new tin which used to store candy that čokolešnik (instant wheat flakes plans for her “second home”, you loved to eat back in the eight- with chocolate and hazelnuts), explained the concept of Zifer- ies. The shelves are stacked with cookies... Of course, everything is blat and how it all began. “The books, Gobelin tapestries hang free, the only thing you count are creation of the whole project

24 Government Communication Office in focus Photo: Matjaž Moraus Zdešar

began this past summer when really nice to see that projects a lecture at Ziferblat. The idea of Maša Pavoković, manager and creative we started looking for a suit- can unite and bring so many “tea at five o’clock”, intended director of Ljubljana Ziferblat. able space in the centre of Lju- people closer together,” added to bring together guests around bljana. In September I visited Maša Pavoković. the same table, introduce them Moscow, the birthplace of Zifer- to each other, and establish a blat, where I met the rest of the It’s a place of freedom bond through conversation is twelve teams that create Zifer- interesting and will probably blat around the world. Then we Every visitor can help co-create also lead to new friendships. began searching for furniture the space and leave his or her Ziferblat is also the right place to decorate the interior, which own mark. “First and foremost for those who might feel lonely eventually came from almost Ziferblat is a place of freedom, during the month of December all parts of Slovenia, as well as where you can do anything as and would like to spend some from other countries. At the long as you don’t interfere with time with people and experi- same time we also started put- the freedom of other people,” ence the holiday spirit. “Zifer- ting together a programme and says Ms Pavoković. “You can blat is open every day. At our began searching for people that bring your own ideas to organise location on Vegova Street we are would be willing to help us.” your own event, you can bring a also open for the holidays from Many friends and acquain- book, and of course we never 9 am until 10 pm. Holidays like It is hard to define the tances participated in designing turn down fresh-baked cookies, Christmas and New Year’s will and creating the place because because in this way each and be particularly festive because age group of Ziferblat they wanted to lend a hand every one of us co-creates Zifer- our kitchen will be very active. visitors because their and loved the idea of Ziferblat. blat in a way that he or she is fa- We plan to make dinner and ages are so different and “Shortly after the first posts on miliar with. Anything is possible have fun with our visitors,” Ms Facebook I heard from quite a at our place, everything from Pavoković invites everyone to there are no limits. few people who were happy to concerts to literary evenings, Ziferblat and adds: “Ziferblat stop by at our address at Vegova exhibitions, you can paint on offers people everything they 8 in Ljubljana, where they start- the walls, you can make coffee themselves wish for. It can be a ed painting chairs, shelves and or decide to make pancakes and place where you can drink tea most importantly helped to put invite your friends,” explains Ms or coffee with friends, it can be together all the pieces of the jig- Pavoković and points out that an exhibition space for your art, saw puzzle that is Ziferblat. The they are currently involved with and it can be a place where you most interesting part was that a small project called Ziferblat can start a conversation with a after I had personally asked my University where they ask their complete stranger without feel- friends for help, I heard from a guests about their favourite pro- ing embarrassed and maybe lot of people, even from those fessors and then ask them to invite him or her to a game of that I haven’t seen in years. It is invite their professors to deliver chess.”

Sinfo – Slovenian information 25 in focus Photo: Ziferblat archive Photo: Jaka Birsa

Above: Ziferblat is not a café. It is a place It is hard to define the age group they can feel free, find their own living room in the best way they where you feel at home. of Ziferblat visitors because tree house where they can par- can.” Bellow: All visitors can become co-cre- their ages are so different and ticipate according to their own ators of the space and the programme. there are no limits. “It is intend- rules,” says Ms Pavoković. Ziferblat team members are tru- ed for young children, second- ly great hosts that happily invite ary school pupils and univer- And what does Ziferblat mean guests into their home. They de- sity students, new mums with for Maša Pavoković personally? velop a project, implement their prams, and older people who “For me it is first and foremost a own ideas for events, and in Ziferblat team members just want to sit quietly or may- unique challenge, because I am particular they are open to new be share their knowledge with the one that kindly welcomes ideas and the wishes of guests, are truly great hosts that younger generations. We are people into my home, and in- who very soon stop being just happily invite guests into very happy with the number of vites them to feel at home. It is guests and become friends who their home. visitors, especially since Ziferb- great to meet different people together help to co-create our lat is something new in this part each day and talk to them, un- tree house. of Europe and we are seeing that cover new talents and especially everyone needs a place where to enable people to use our giant

26 Government Communication Office Vesna Žarkovič in focus

Charity Bazaar Our motto is that culture should be used for the benefit of the people

At the end of November, the 21st charity Bazaar took place at the Ljubljana Exhibi- tion and Convention Centre. Products that cannot be found in Slovenia, but are typi- cal for certain countries, were sold at low prices. This way the organiser SILA - Slo- venian International Ladies’ Association - helped Slovenian people in great distress.

Laura Jamšek, president of for a long time, some of them the SILA association: “There are also married to Slovenians is a lot of work with organis- or their companies are based ing the Bazaar. It is incredible in Slovenia. Several members how people help each other are wives of foreign ambassa- and work hard without being dors, diplomats and business- paid. We exchange national and men who came to Slovenia Photo: Matevž Paternoster cultural experience from differ- for a definite period of time. ent fields, from literature, mu- Slovenian members are ladies sic and art to cooking, creative who are or were active in dif- activities and learning foreign ferent fields. Some of them are languages. In addition, SILA en- professors, lawyers, musicians, ables foreign women that come artists, entrepreneurs etc. Sev- to Slovenia for a definite period eral Slovenian members lived of time to be incorporated into abroad for a long time as wives the environment as fast and of Slovenian diplomats or com- as pleasantly as possible. This pany representatives and want is why we have a special Wel- to share, after returning home, come coffee morning commit- their international experi- tee which organises meetings ence with other members and or gives welcome to new mem- contribute to the association’s bers. SILA also arranges trips work. “Our association brings for members in order to get to together younger and older know the beauties and the di- members, which strengthens verse cultural heritage of Slove- not only the wide international nia. Different sections organise range of activities but also in- various activities, from literary, tergenerational cooperation.” English, French and travel club to the club for encouraging cre- Every year, SILA sends requests ativity or learning the Slovenian for collaboration in organising language. Every month, the as- the Bazaar to foreign embassies sembly of members attends the accredited in Slovenia. The re- “general meeting” where cur- sponse has been mostly positive rent events are discussed and so far, as at least 35 embassies or decisions are made. This year, other representations agreed to we had a record number of participate each year. younger generation members, which is a good thing because it And who received the dona- brought a new perspective. The tions this year? combination of all ages, play- fulness and wisdom produces Every year, on its publicly ac- excellent results. I am satisfied cessible website www.sila.si, the participating countries. Af- Laura Jamšek - president of the SILA as- with the way our organisation is SILA sets the rules and condi- terwards, the applications are sociation developing.” tions for applications for do- ranked and the recipients are nations. A form is published selected. Nationality-wise, SILA is a which needs to be filled in and very colourful association, as submitted within a given dead- This year’s Bazaar also offered members come from differ- line. Members of the SILA Ba- a diverse international cultur- ent continents and more than zaar Committee examine all al programme. “Our motto is forty countries. Among them applications submitted in time that culture should be used for are foreign women who have and present them at the meet- the benefit of the people,” says lived and worked in Slovenia ing with the representatives of Laura Jamšek.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 27 in focus Photo: Mediaspeed

At the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre.

SILA stands for Slovenian International Ladies’ Association. The word “sila” also means Several members are “strength” in the Slovenian language. SILA is a non-governmental, non-religious and wives of foreign ambas- non-profit organisation, formed in 1993 and is run voluntarily by its members. SILA sadors, diplomats and offers its members numerous opportunities to participate in diverse and interesting businessmen who came activities to foster deeper mutual understanding among ourselves and to expand our to Slovenia for a definite knowledge of Slovenia and the rest of the world. Currently SILA has nearly 150 mem- period of time. Slovenian bers of all ages from over 38 countries. Some are living in Slovenia temporarily, while others have been resident for many years, including many Slovene ladies. Our mem- members are ladies who bers have highly diverse backgrounds, including business, human resources, politics, are or were active in dif- public relations or spouses of diplomatic representatives. ferent fields.

28 Government Communication Office Vesna Žarkovič, Photo: Iva Gruden/Umanotera in focus

Non-government organisations Don’t let this December’s gifts end up as January’s trash

Gifts nowadays are losing their meaning. Gifts have become a consumer substitute in a globalised world. A different approach is offered by five non-government organisa- tions, Fair trade 3muhe, Smetumet, Humanitas, Zadruga Buna and Umanotera.

Each of them emphasises the importance of fair trade and urge consumers to make ethi- cal gift-giving choices this De- cember. Careful consideration should be given to the prepara- tion of gifts, they warn, so that they don’t end up as trash after the New Year. December gift- giving should preserve the sym- bolic renewal or strengthening of social bonds. In Slovenian cultural heritage, gifts are char- acteristically given for impor- tant life events, like births and weddings, and for other events throughout the year. Changes to the political and economic sys- tems in Slovenia at the begin- ning of the 1990s, transformed the whole month of December into a festive season thus in- creasing the number of oppor- tunities for gift-giving. Prior to those opportunities for gift- giving within the family circle were only for St.Nicholas’ name day and New Year. to get rid of gifts soon after they sible gifts, among which the Representatives of the non-government Živa Lopatič from Fair trade receive them. I urge people companies and individuals alike organisations. 3muhe: “What is important is to think carefully about what can choose, for instance, freshly that in the making of the article kinds of gifts they buy. Don’t al- roasted and ecologically pro- given as a gift, no-one was ex- low gifts to become trash after duced arabica coffee, workshops ploited. The person giving the the New Year anymore.” on social and environmental gift should be mindful, that consequences of globalisation the item being given has not Rene Suša from Humanitas, so- and consumer society, or opt harmed the environment or any ciety for human rights and sup- for the adoption of a dolphin. people. In our store all our items portive action: “For many of the The authors of the catalogue are are ethical. For each one of them items we give as gifts, we don’t convinced that “With the origi- we know, where it came from know where they come from, nality of ethical gift-giving you and who made it and that the who made them or how they will enhance the reputation of environment was not harmed were made. Toys that children in your company, which is clearly in the process. It is not only im- one part of the world receive as economically, socially and envi- A different approach portant that the gift be beautiful, gifts, were made by children in ronmentally responsible.” In the is offered by five non- it is also important that it be re- another part of the world.” on-line publication the authors sponsible.” have chosen contemporary, government organisa- Environmentally and so- environmentally and socially tions, Fair trade 3muhe, Maja Rijavec from the Cultural cially responsible gifts responsible gifts, with which Smetumet, Humani- ecological fellowship Sme- companies can improve on out- tumet: “We notice that many Fair trade 3muhe, Smetumet, dated practices and embrace tas, Zadruga Buna and gifts soon end up in the trash Humanitas, Zadruga Buna and fresh and innovative solutions. Umanotera. after the New Year, which we Umanotera have compiled an then recycle here at the fellow- on-line catalogue of environ- There are four packs from Fair ship. It seems that people want mentally and socially respon- trade 3muhe (Sweet, Interest

Sinfo – Slovenian information 29 in focus

Some ideas for the Christmas gifts. ing, Pleasant or Carefree year), the money donated goes in full global level and talk about what Wings, gifts with a magical to one of the worthy causes that kind of world we co-create with power (14 gift packs), four items we choose ourselves. There are a our opinions, beliefs and cus- from the Cultural ecological fel- number of innovative packages toms. By using practical exam- lowship Smetumet (SPORTable, with which it is possible to en- ples and simulation they investi- JUTiful, In-the-pendant! and able the schooling of children in gate areas such as: international Graphicle), Buna coffee and two Ghana, adopt a dolphin, main- trade, environmental problems, workshops from the Humanitas tain forest trails, bring smiles to interculturalism, social exclu- society (employee education the faces of children in Slove- sion, questions on development. on social and environmental nian hospitals, look after small At the workshops we find out a consequences of globalisation animals, provide drinking water, lot about what goes on behind and the consumer society, and buy a small piece of tropical rain the production of goods we use for the children of employ- forest, protect bees and much, everyday (food, clothes, electri- ees, the puppet performance much more. With the purchase cal appliances), they develop of Rešilni čoln (Lifeboat)). of such an original gift we can critical (media) literacy and in- contribute to the preservation tercultural understanding. There is a variety of filled choc- of plant and animal species, re- olates available, ecologically duce poverty in countries of the “Lifeboat” for your children produced and without added Global South, combat climate sugar, nuts and black choco- change, or make a child without The puppet performance deals late, 100% natural shea butter parents happy by giving them with the consequences of man’s from Ghana, ecologically pro- the gift of a month-long swim- thoughtless interference in na- duced oil, a variety of fragrant ming course. Aside from this, ture. Man and the animals live December gift-giving soaps, natural oils, a doll which there are also other good sides on an island - everything is fine, should preserve the keeps your worries at bay if you to this type of gift-giving – we until Man decides that he will place her under your pillow at don’t burden the environment, cut down all the trees on the is- symbolic renewal or night, dried pineapple, organ- we avoid the shopping frenzy land and build a biiig boat. The strengthening of social ic coffee, dry mango, cashew and long queues in the stores animals are powerless. Will they bonds. nuts with black chocolate, etc. before the holidays, while at the succeed in coming to an agree- same time surprising the gift re- ment with Man and showing Wings, gifts with a magical cipient in a really original way. him that he has to fix his mis- power take? A variety of workshops The non-government organ- The performance is presented isation Umanotera offers a gift, The Humanitas society organises by participants of the Svetovne which, in the name of the person workshops which are based on lutke (World puppets) project, receiving the gift, is intended for experiential learning methods who also created their puppets someone experiencing hardship. and the active participation of and instruments from recycled The recipient receives an attrac- learners. In the workshops they materials. The performance is tively designed greeting card investigate the relationship be- suitable for children aged 5 years with a unique illustration, and tween working on a local and and over.

30 Government Communication Office Anja Polajnar business

Outfit7 Talking Tom and Friends

Talking Tom and Friends is a rare global brand that, in just four years, has grown from instant app success into a fully-fledged media entertainment franchise. With a CGI animated series about to debut, a global licensing and merchandising program, and a chart-topping sensation on YouTube, the lovable 3D animated characters have skyrocketed in popularity with fans across the world and sit firmly at the forefront of the digital entertainment era.

Outfit7 is globally one of the and languages. But its success is most dynamic and successful also due to the fun and friendly companies in the area of en- personalities of the characters tertainment apps for iOS and themselves. There is a character Android platforms. The found- everyone can relate to and us- ers and owners of the company ers love to engage with them. are the Slovenian Iza and Samo It’s as simple as that. Whether Login, who in just five years its chatting with Talking Angela took it from a startup and turned about fashion, creating potions it into a leading company in its in the lab with Talking Ben, or field. The company’s umbrella helping Talking Ginger get ready brand Talking Tom, together for bed, these characters are with other talking friends, has loved the world over. become a global phenomenon. According to the company, the The award-winning apps in the company’s apps have already Talking Tom and Friends fran- been downloaded more than chise have now been down- two billion times. The company loaded over two billion times is now expanding its franchise and played with in more than to the film industry and other 230 countries and territories platforms. Disney has already worldwide, with updates and made music videos and animat- innovative new products being ed series with Outfit7 animated released regularly. Furthermore, characters, and the company a brand new app featuring a be- has more than 230 million in- loved character from the Talk- dividual active users per month. ing Tom and Friends franchise is due to launch in December The characters will soon be 2014. heading to Hollywood Outfit7’s innovative My Talking Outfit7 recently announced that Tom app won the 2014 Tabby its characters will soon be head- Award for “Best iPad Game: ing to Hollywood. Outfit7 has Kids, Education & Family”, partnered with Mythology En- as well as winning two Users’ tertainment in a deal to adapt Choice awards for “Best iPad the Talking Tom and Friends Game: Kids, Education & Fam- universe into a fully animated ily” and “Best Android Game: or hybrid live-action/animated Puzzle, Cards & Family”. motion picture for family audi- ences. There are currently six Fun, games and personaliza- major characters (Talking Tom, tion Talking Angela, Talking Gin- ger, Talking Ben, Talking Pierre, My Talking Tom is a gaming app and Talking Gina) and a total of from Outfit7 that allows players 15 apps within the Talking Tom to engage with Talking Tom by and Friends umbrella brand. nurturing him through his nine interactive stages and 999 lev- Part of the strength of the Talk- els packed with fun, games and ing Tom and Friends franchise is personalization. Players can un- the physical comedy and humor leash their creativity by select- of the characters, which appeals ing furniture or décor that suits to users of all ages, nationalities, them, and choose from a myriad

Sinfo – Slovenian information 31 business

Have amazing fun with your Superstar!

of different furs, outfits and -ac ing new items and coins as they have also starred in an animated cessories for their Tom. Tom has go. webseries made in collabora- life-like emotions; he can be tion with Disney Interactive, happy, hungry, sleepy or even Just 10 days after launch, My sung in chart-topping music bored – depending on how you Talking Tom became the top videos, visited the White House, play with him. Fans can keep game app in 135 countries on made an appearance on a major Tom happy by playing any of the all major platforms, with a to- American sitcom, and strolled app’s numerous mini-games, tal of over 11 million downloads the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. which also unlock new items worldwide – a figure which Outfit7 also has a burgeoning and virtual coins. The unique soared to over 27 million within global licensing program. There Talking Tom characteristics, a month. My Talking Tom has are currently over 40 official loved by fans globally, remain currently achieved in excess of licensees worldwide, offering in My Talking Tom and are more 230 million downloads world- apparel, accessories, games and fun than ever before. Fans are wide. puzzles, paper goods, stationery, rewarded as they play and help back to school items, and other Tom grow from baby through to In addition to the incredibly Talking Tom and Friends brand- toddler, teen and adult, unlock- popular apps, the characters ed merchandise.

The award-winning apps Outfit7’s Iza Login, one of the richest women in Slovenia: “We are successful be- in the Talking Tom and cause we encourage our staff to contribute their ideas, which are noticed and reward- ed. Not all ideas may be realised, of course, but good ideas often lead to even better Friends franchise have ones. Outfit7’s staff is among the world’s top developers in terms of programming, 3D now been downloaded animation, design, illustration, user experience, law and brand management. In the over two billion times US, the Talking Tom app is successfully used by therapists working with children with and played with in more Down syndrome and autism.” than 230 countries and territories worldwide, with updates and in- Iza and Samo Login, founders and main developers of Outfit7, are the richest Slovenes novative new products according to the list of the magazine Manger. The company is evaluated at 1.1 billion being released regularly. euros, making it the first private Slovene company in this range. There are only three other companies in Slovenia worth more than one billion: Krka, Dars and Group HSE.

32 Government Communication Office Nataša Bušljeta culture

Expo Five grains of buckwheat at Milano Expo 2015

We follow up the story from our previous issue, which looked at the magic of Slo- venian wood, with a new tale focusing on five grains of buckwheat. The message of a green Slovenia is extended to an active and healthy Slovenia – I feel Slovenia. Green.Active.Healthy. Photo: Mostphotos With its contours, the Slovenian for honey harvesting. The bees pavilion at Milan EXPO 2015 that collect it are more resistant embodies the undulating Slove- and healthier, as are the people nian landscape. Constructed of who grow it and eat it. wood, the pavilion symbolises the heart of the national brand, That is why the buckwheat seed I feel Slovenia. Five pyramidal is the best symbol of a healthi- peaks above a geometrically er future and the perfect travel variegated surface serve to rep- partner for visitors to the Slove- resent the five senses we use to nian pavilion. feel Slovenia. With this first im- pression we want to entice pass- Welcome ers-by to visit our pavilion and to experience Slovenia. Salt, white gold, is part of the Slavic welcome, which is why it The tale of the five grains of will offer a hospitable greeting to buckwheat visitors on their entry to the Slo- venian pavilion. The tale takes place where the alpine mountain range meets In Slovenia, we have one of the the Pannonian plain, the Dolen- oldest sea salt pans in the world jska hills and the Karst country- – the Sečovlje salt pans, where side, which stretches down to for the last 700 years salt has the Adriatic Sea, concealing be- been produced using the same low its surface an underground methods. It is said that if you world interwoven with its myr- fight nature, you lose. Slovenian iad of caves full of stalactites salt workers still continue to re- and rivers. One who follows the spect and work in harmony with rivers, the simple country paths, the laws of nature. Because of the steep alpine mountain pass, the sustainable method of pro- the underground labyrinth, or duction, Slovenian salt has a dis- his own positive feeling, will find tinctive white colour and is rich Slovenia again and again. Green, in minerals. An exquisite culi- active and healthy Slovenia. nary specialty is the salt blos- som, whose crystals capture all The visitor’s journey through the the flavours of the sea. Slovenian pavilion will be guided by five tiny grains of buckwheat. Salt plays an important physi- Slovenians love buckwheat, and ological role in our body, which it is sung about in some of our we are not even aware of in our favourite folk songs. These small everyday lives. The human body brown seeds are full of vita- has a biological need for salt and mins and minerals. Buckwheat it is a mandatory ingredient in is gluten-free, lowers blood the great majority of foods, fre- pressure and slows the ageing quently even in sweets. Quite process. It is recognised as one often however, we overdo our of the most healthy and hardy intake of salt, because we forget plants. It is also special because that most of the food we eat al- it is not affected by many pests ready naturally contains salt. and so does not depend on the use of pesticides. If farmers want Armed with the knowledge of to double their harvest of buck- sustainable production and the wheat by increasing fertilisation, need for salt, in moderation, in the buckwheat yield is lower. human’s life, the visitor is re- Where it grows, the countryside warded with their first grain of is unpolluted. Buckwheat is ideal buckwheat.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 33 culture Photo: Mostphotos

All great empires were built on salt. Armies were armed with the help of salt. Because of salt, armies went to war and uncovered new trade routes. Salt is said to have been the first traded commodity and the first good to be taxed. It helped to shape our civilization. It was once the privilege of kings and high society. Apart from being an addition to food it was, and still is, popular for the elimination and dissua- sion of bad energy, fortune and thoughts. Cul- tures all over the world use salt as a powerful means of purification. With it they prophesied and predicted fate, it played an important role in traditional medicine. Its symbolic power is the embodiment of dedication and loyalty.

In nature, everything is con- of bee, the Slovenian grey bee. the limits of the depths that can nected That is why the bee is the main be reached by man, there is 70 hero in our tale of the five grains times more water underground Slovenian beekeepers also show of buckwheat. than on the surface. their respect for nature. A sur- prising two thirds of our food is Not only because it is important The volume of underground indirectly or directly dependent for pollination and the produc- water is not only great, but the upon the work of bees. They are tion of food, but also because water is also pure and rich in the most highly sensitive ba- with bee products we enhance minerals. rometer of what is going on in and maintain our health. Will nature. When there are no more the visitor recognise, through Slovenia is among those coun- bees, there will be no pollina- the honeycomb mirrors, its own tries in Europe boasting the tion, no plant life, no animals role in this tale?His reward is the most water. Mineral and ther- and no humans. Albert Einstein second grain of buckwheat. mal waters are the greatest predicted that after the last bee luxury. Radenska and Donat Mg on earth died, mankind would Underground elixirs of mineral waters have for quite only have four more years to health some time been accepted as the The visitor will receive live. exclusive waters of Imperial Vi- the fifth and final grain Water is the source of life. At enna and the Papal Household Bees are a wonderful mixture the beginning of our story, salt in the Vatican. of buckwheat when he of the wild and domestication. workers produced salt from sea blows into the horn and Man has always liked to com- water, now we continue into Slovenia boasts a number of symbolically clears away pare himself to the bee, as being Slovenia’s mysterious under- thermal springs. The thermal the black carbon or soot hard-working, persistent, con- ground world. Even Valvasor, waters are not for drinking, but nected to its community. In the the first scholar to write about for bathing. Health spa thera- from the atmosphere. Slovenian language we use the our territory, was astounded that pies make use of their mechani- saying: not that the bee perishes, so many rivers and waterways cal and thermal properties. Due but that it dies. We also have the were to be found underground to the pressure, which works only protected indigenous breed in this country. In fact, within on those parts of the body that Photo: Mostphotos

A bee’s eyes are made up of thousands of tiny lenses, making their world an explosion of colour. For them, man’s three-coloured world is a boring shade of grey.

34 Government Communication Office culture

We want to let visitors Photo: Tamino Petelinšek/STA know that Slovenia is green, active and healthy, Donat Mg is in fact min- because we respect nature eral water with the rich- est source of magnesium and move forward in har- in the world, its average mony with nature. age being 8,000 years.

are submerged, there is an im- Slovenia’s highest mountain – and symbolically clears away proved fluidity in the internal Triglav, and with his respect for the black carbon or soot from organs, a draining of the vein nature ensure good health, and the atmosphere. Following and lymph vessels. The thermal earn the fourth grain of buck- greenhouse gases, black carbon action through heat has a posi- wheat. is the second most important tive effect on the whole body. contributor to climate changes. Forward with nature The visitor receives the third With Slovenian technology, grain of buckwheat on listening Our tale has taken us from the Lenarčič first measured the to the water’s effervescence and underground world to the high- presence of black carbon at the becoming more aware of the est peak and will come to end North Pole, where there are no wisdom of water: “To quench among the clouds. With Matevž emissions, but found the con- our thirst, both physically and Lenarčič, the world’s top pilot in centration of black carbon to mentally, it is not enough that 2013, and Slovenian company be surprisingly high. We want we have a supply of drinkable Pipistrel’s ultra-light aircraft, to let visitors know that Slove- water in plastic bottles, but the visitor will journey around nia is green, active and healthy, rather spring water must shim- the world and across the North because we respect nature and mer at its pristine source.” Pole. Not for the view, but for the move forward in harmony with Architectural design of the Slovenian pavil- results of the project “Adventure nature. The same applies to the ion: SoNo arhitekti d.o.o. SoNo Architects Healthy mind in a healthy for Science”: in the blueness of Earth’s entire population: peo- brings together a new generation of Slove- body the sky there is more and more ple are the ones who pollute and nian architects in the creation of modern, blackness! each one of us is responsible to high-quality architecture that is emerg- ing as a mix of architectural theory, study For good health we need to con- respect nature and to maintain and research of locations, innovation, and cern ourselves not only with a The visitor will receive the fifth a healthy environment, without experimentation with new materials and healthy diet, but also an active and final grain of buckwheat which there is no food and no construction methods. Pavilion construc- lifestyle. The Slovenian coun- when he blows into the horn energy for life. tion: Lumar IG d.o.o tryside offers us a myriad of opportunities to do just that. The varied terrain presents a challenge and inspires all those who desire a healthy mind in a healthy body.

The most popular activities among Slovenians are hiking and cycling. Extremely well marked and maintained walk- ing paths and bicycle tracks, through beautiful natural sur- roundings, fill sportspeople, families and other lovers of na- ture with pure energy.

With Slovenia’s green energy we also achieve superior results and are, with the number of Olym- pic medals per capita, among the top countries in the world. The visitor to our pavilion will also be able to reach the top of

Sinfo – Slovenian information 35 culture Polona Prešeren

Tristan and Isolde ballet This is the first Slovenian version

The SNG Opera in Balet Ljubljana has conceived a new version of the Tristan and Isolde ballet. The motif of romantic and tragic love, which is believed to be the piv- otal motive power of the poetic traditions ever since the Medieval Europe, has lived to see many versions. This is the first Slovenian version. Photo: D arja Štravs T isu

Leading roles: Isolde: Tjaša Kmetec/Ana The Celtic legend of Tristan and opera Tristan and Isolde, which Fresh original project Klašnja, Tristan: Lukas Zuschlag/Kenta Isolde inspired numerous artists was recorded specially for this Jamamoto in the broadest spectrum of their performance by the Orchestra The Tristan and Isolde ballet on activity – from dramatics, poetry, SNG Opera in Balet Ljubljana. the stage of the Ljubljana Op- literature and music to fine arts in Young choreographer Dan Datcu era is an original performance the widest sense of the word. The is responsible for the choreogra- of the Ljubljana Ballet, bringing topic treated by the ballet perfor- phy and Sanja Nešković Peršin new excitement and announc- mance, conceived as a compre- for the concept, Meta Grgurevič ing new artistic direction. It is an Tristan and Isolde is the hensive work of art, is based on worked as set designer in col- incredibly interesting and fresh the idea of romantic love and the laboration with JAŠA, Barbara original project with sophisti- first ballet performance on thesis of immortality. Novakovič Kolenc as drama- cated choreography conceived the stage of the SNG Opera turge, Jaka Šimenc as lightning to extraordinary music. Tristan in Ballet under the lead- Contemporary original mu- designer, while costumes were and Isolde is the first ballet per- sic made by costumer designer formance on the stage of the ership of the new artistic Uroš Belantič, currently residing SNG Opera in Balet under the director Sanja Neškovič The ballet is also extraordinary in Paris. The roles of Isolde and leadership of the new artistic Peršin. because it is conceived to the Tristan will be assumed by Tjaša director Sanja Nešković Peršin. original music by the Slovenian Kmetec and Lukas Zuschlag, Does this show the new direc- contemporary composer Sašo who will be substituted in some tion of the Ljubljana Ballet? Kalan with the musical frag- performances by Ana Klašnja ments from Richard Wagner’s and Kento Jamamoto.

36 Government Communication Office culture

rary elements and performances feel that this is their chance,” that reflect the time in which we says Ms Peršin and adds that it is live,” told us Ms Neškovič Peršin, necessary to establish contacts who was a ballet dancer on the with the international environ- The Ljubljana Ballet En- stage of the Ljubljana Ballet for ment and to create a network of semble is not a ballet 28 years, gaining thus enough partnerships. experience to recognise all the ensemble of one of the potential and all the weaknesses The Ljubljana Ballet Ensemble world’s metropolises, so Photo: SN G O pera and Ballet archive of the ballet theatre. “Of course, is not a ballet ensemble of one it must “have its own fea- the classic repertoire remains, of the world’s metropolises, so but it must be updated with new it must “have its own features tures that will separate approaches in terms of set de- that will separate it from other it from other similar en- sign and directing,” she says. similar ensembles in the in- sembles in the interna- ternational environment. It is tional environment. One of her plans and priorities very important to be ambitious, for the Ljubljana Ballet man- since only ambition will es- agement is strengthening the tablish the Ljubljana Ballet as a creative environment of the main ensemble, an explorer and ensemble by promoting good a bringer of new values in the teachers, top choreographers, art of dance” concludes Sanja different approaches and cre- Nešković Peršin. “Lately, we have been more ative processes. “My priorities focused on classic projects, so are creativity, passion and chal- This season you are invited to at- The SNG Opera in Balet Ljubljana believes that the world on the other side is a glass now we have to realise projects lenge. I wish to discover new tend other ballet performances palace, full of blooming flowers and, simul- that offer new interpretations potential choreographers and in addition to Tristan and Isolde. taneously, the ultimate goal of realisation and values. I want a diverse pro- enable them to realise new proj- More information is available at in the afterlife – a place, where the lovers’ gramme, a touch of contempo- ects. Younger generation must www.opera.si/en. souls meet in the eternity. Photo: D arja Štravs T isu

Sinfo – Slovenian information 37 culture

Enjoy Christmas markets, New Years lights, traditional hand- crafted gifts, spicy gingerbread and warm mulled wine.

Enjoy Kranj street’s shops, galleries, studios and museums! City glowes with Christmas spirit.

This year you have to plan Christmas vacation with family in Slovenia.

38 Government Communication Office culture

For a truly unique take on Christmas celebrations, plan a visit to Piran during the holiday season.

Ljubljana sparkles with Christmas cheer, and the holiday season is easily the most festive time of year to visit this magical city.

Ptuj goes wild for a good Christmas celebration.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 39 gastronomy Danila Golob

Slovenian Holiday Fare Christmas delicious aromas Did St. Nicholas surprise you with delicious cookies? Or did you set about baking cin- namon stars, honey biscuits and potica yourself? December really is a month infused with delicious aromas which warm the cold and ever-shortening days. Full of expec- tation and holiday feelings, we gather around the table, laden with festive foods, and raise a toast to the New Year. Photo: Mostphotos

40 Government Communication Office gastronomy Photo: Mostphotos

The first to be cheered by the The magic of Christmas Eve New Year’s Day, thus hoping for We will open the book. Its pages are blank. festive days of December are dinner abundance in the coming year. We are going to put words on them our- the children who write letters Often, the festive table was laid selves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day. to St. Nicholas asking him for Once, the whole Advent period with poultry (a cockerel or tur- presents. Once, the good man was dedicated to preparations for key), but more typical of the brought walnuts, hazelnuts, figs, festivities. People cleaned and Christmas and New Year holi- biscuits, carob beans, apples and decorated their homes, attend- days – also the time of the tra- oranges. Perhaps even some- ed early morning service and ditional slaughter of a pig (ko- The first to be cheered by thing sweeter, such as honey fasted. Before Christmas they line) – is pork (which is believed biscuits or gingerbreads depict- ate low-fat dishes such as bean to bring good luck) – a roast or the festive days of De- ing St. Nicholas and Krampus and potato dishes, porridge and other pork dish. Once Christmas cember are the children (parkelj in Slovene), that were pap. Before Christmas Eve, they was considered the beginning of who write letters to St. sold at St. Nicholas fairs. Ven- often cooked dried fruit, but for a new year and therefore people, Nicholas asking him for dors also offered dolls, toy horses Christmas Eve itself, meat dishes with the help of seasonal food, and other toys and there was the were prepared. The table was so tried to focus on the future. presents. Once, the good delicious aroma of cooked sau- laden with good food that there man brought walnuts, sages, frankfurters, brandy and was almost no space left for the In the Primorska region, cod- hazelnuts, figs, biscuits, mulled wine. Nowadays, too, the glasses! fish (polenovka) was served and children eagerly await St. Nicho- in Štajerska netted pork (svin- carob beans, apples and las and wait for the winter’s tale Traditionally, in Slovenia people jska ribica v mrežici), while in oranges. to begin. ate plentifully on Christmas and Koroška people feasted with

Sinfo – Slovenian information 41 gastronomy Photo: Ukom archive

Characteristic of Christmas is also Christ- stuffed roast pork (nabulana almonds, raisins, poppy seed, the family members each ate one mas bread, which has many different prata) and in Bela Krajina they cream or even cracklings. In the small roll, feeding some to their names.: poprtnik or poprtnjak, božičnik, prepared a regional stuffing (fu- Gorenjska region, zidana potica, livestock too. In such a way they župnik, parjenk, badnjak. lanka). All the dishes that are with a whole range of fillings and symbolically linked all who lived suitable for Christmas are also in the Štajerska region fruit bread from the farm and expressed suitable for New Year’s Eve. On (krhljak) were baked, while in their wish for a healthy and New Year’s Day people ate pork Primorska potica was replaced prosperous year to come. Even and, among other dishes, at the with rolled cheese dumplings today, Christmas cakes and bread time of the pig slaughter they (sirovi štruklji) or doughnuts. are a part of our tradition, just as made sour broth, which they are potica and biscuits. cooked from pig’s trotters, tail Characteristic of Christmas is and ears and soured with wine. also fruit bread, which, together A time of expectation with different versions of pot- ica, deserve a special mention. In days gone by, people prepared Before Christmas Eve, The air is infused with the Christmas bread has many dif- slowly for the holidays – expecta- they often cooked dried delicious aromas of potica ferent names: poprtnik or poprt- tions and festive spirit increased and Christmas bread njak, božičnik, župnik, mižnik, gradually in intensity. Today, fruit, but for Christmas pomižnik, stolnik, parjenk, bad- with our fast-paced lifestyle, we Eve itself, meat dishes Most often, the table was laid njak…. In Bela Krajina, in partic- often forget to stop, calm down, were prepared. The table with potica (its name originates ular in the region between Met- look back on the past year and in the word povitica - rolled lika and Črnomelj, božičnik is prepare for the year to come. So was so laden with good cake), with various fillings that decorated with a Christmas crib let December be a time to spend food that there was al- differed among the Slovenian on the top. Christmas bread was with our nearest and dearest! By most no space left for the regions. Even today, potica is the on the festive table from Christ- baking biscuits together, enjoy- glasses! most widespread festive cake, mas Eve till Epiphany. Most often, ing a delicious Christmas dinner, irreplaceable and indispens- three small rolls were baked – of drinking mulled wine at a stall able on the Christmas menu. wheat, buckwheat and rye flour. and having a chat with friends, The filling was sweetened with One was intended for Christmas, we feel and await the New Year. honey instead with sugar and one for New Year’s Day and one composed of walnuts, hazelnuts, for Epiphany. On each holiday,

42 Government Communication Office gastronomy Photo: Tomo Jeseničnik Photo: Ukom archive Photo: Ukom archive Left: Honey biscuits Traditional fruit bread Right: Walnut potica

Ingredients: 250 g coarse grained wheat flour, 100 g sugar, 1 packet baking powder, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 250 g dried plums, 100 g dried apricots, 100 g figs, 100 g raisins, 100 g coarsely chopped walnuts, 100 g chopped chocolate, 2 tablespoons of rum, a pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of cloves. So let December be a time to spend with our Preparation: Cook the dried plums in 500 ml of water. Add the cooled wa- nearest and dearest! By ter in which the plums were cooked baking biscuits together, to flour and mix with fruit, cut into enjoying a delicious small pieces. Add the remaining Christmas dinner, drink- ingredients to the mixture and mix well. Line a baking tray with baking ing mulled wine at a stall paper and pour in the mixture. Bake and having a chat with at 170 degree Celsius for 1 hour. Let friends, we feel and await the baked fruit bread cool and dust it with powdered sugar. the New Year.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 43 sports interview Polona Prešeren

Slovenian athlet Miroslav Cerar Sport without values is not a true sport

There are not many athletes who have marked Slovenian sport the way Miroslav Cerar has. He played an important role in Slovenian sport – first as an athlete, later as a lawyer, co-founder of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia – Association of Sports Federations (OKS), campaigner for fair play... Photo: Tamino Petelinšek/STA

Awards

1985 Olympic award - L’ordre olympique 1999 International Gymnastich Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City (USA) 2009 Highest distinction award by the State - The Golden Order for Services for signicicant contribution in the field of sport and outstanding achievements in gymnastics.

In gymnastics, where he competed in dodecathlon, his best event being the pommel horse, Cerar collected a total of 30 medals from major competitions, 16 of which were gold (two Olympic Champion titles, four World and ten European Champion titles). He participated in three Olympic Games – Rome in 1960, Tokyo in 1964 and Ciudad de Mexico in 1968. He trained under conditions which from today’s point of view seem unbelievable, modest, but he had a strong will and talent. Through sport he learnt the meaning of values and solidarity. He finished his career as a world class athlete in roy- He finished his career as al style, with the title of World Champion on the pommel horse in front of his home crowd in Ljubljana in 1970. His sports career was followed by a highly successful pro- a world class athlete in fessional career. Since Miroslav Cerar recently celebrated a personal anniversary, we royal style, with the title talked to him about his sports career, fair play and the educational role of sport. of World Champion on the pommel horse in front of Your sports career is truly im- creasing focus on this lately. Sport areas. In Slovenia we are also very his home crowd in Lju- pressive. In recent years you have without values is not a true sport. active in this area by putting em- also been a campaigner for fair I am also active in the European phasis on sport in general – we do bljana in 1970. play. How do you evaluate values and World Fair Play Association, not emphasise success at any cost, in Slovenian sport? where we are trying very hard to but rather support sportsmanship, We are trying to retain values in promote these values and are aim- which is after all, some normal sport and there has been an in- ing for equality in a wide range of framework of conduct.

44 Government Communication Office sports interview

We organise different educational life events, going beyond purely Since we did not earn anything programmes at schools and in sporting ideals. Moreover, I tend from the competitions, we had to clubs, some clubs even have their to notice that we used to socialise prepare for life. During my sports own codes. A lot of emphasis is a lot more, but the times are now career I studied at the Faculty of put on fair play, we promote col- quite different, sport is influenced Law in Ljubljana and I am very legiality and mutual aid. The be- significantly by professionalism. proud that I did not receive any haviour of fans also plays an im- Of course in principle it is cer- special benefits due to my ca- portant role in this context and tainly important that you enjoy reer as a champion athlete. Some sometimes it has to be regulated what you are doing. of the professors were not even a little more radically. The English aware that I was also a champion have found an excellent solution Which of your achievements are athlete. I notice however, that the for problems at football fields, the you especially proud of? times were much different back stadiums have become family- The Olympic medals are certainly then: we helped each other more, friendly and material damage is the most prestigious, however, there was less egoism, we helped no longer an issue. Such an atti- European and World Champion- each other with study matters. tude seems to be very important ships mean a great deal as well. from a human point of view in During my competitive career But it was not easy, I had to put general, not only for sports. Sport there were so many different quite some effort into it. The is certainly at the very forefront medals and successes, I would training sessions were difficult due to results; however, we have have difficulty in picking just one and I was often rather tired. Then to educate the young depending as particularly outstanding. I have I also studied at the Faculty of on their maturity. Sport often also always tried to do my best. I con- Sport. After I passed the State has some kind of a healing role as sider it exceptional if you are able Lawyers’ Examination, I finished it can greatly contribute to certain to defend a certain result. I man- my sports career. life events and one’s develop- aged to defend the World Cham- ment. It is also a form of sociali- pion title several times, as well After finishing your exceptional sation. as the European one, and I also athletic career you remained ac- defended the Olympic Champion tive in the field of sports... And what did you receive from title. By being more than a one-hit ...in between I also had my own your sports career? wonder you prove your quality. law firm and I excluded myself When I was nine or ten I started slightly from the sports field, my attending gymnastic workouts at And what do you think contrib- obligations as a lawyer did not al- the former Sokol training asso- uted most to such success? low for any active participation in ciations. For me this represented I was most successful on the sports. After Slovenia gained in- a pleasant gathering with peers pommel horse. This was because dependence, I was again attracted during different age periods. A in the then deficient circum- into the sports environment. I considerable part of the training stances I was still able to work out was a founding member of the and work there was also edu- well on this apparatus. I also had Olympic Committee of Slovenia – cational, not only sport-related. talent and I loved to work out. I Association of Sports Federations They gave us a certain discipline was encouraged by the progress (OKS). Once I finished practis- and an attitude to work. You I was making and then I started ing law, I was also a member of know, there is no cheating during to think innovatively about how the OKS executive board and I a workout; the exercises have to certain things could be improved. performed various functions. Of be done correctly. If you don’t do It is also true that I was rapidly course I followed sport constant- them right, you fall, get hurt and becoming better than my older ly, but I was not actively engaged We are in general an ex- so on. The conditions, in which colleagues or previous genera- in its functioning. we trained, were so modest that tions, and that encouraged me. tremely successful nation we often had to help each other The conditions back then were This year the Slovenian athletes with respect to sports re- and so we learnt about solidar- of course very modest. People once again achieved exceptional sults, and this does not ity. All of this had an important from other countries who came results, especially at the Winter educational dimension. You had to us could not believe the con- Olympics in Sochi. What in your apply only to the cur- to be disciplined, but at the same ditions we were training under, opinion are the prospects for Slo- rent year. The results we time this was also hanging out and yet still achieving such suc- venian sports? achieve are truly amazing. with peers, not only a desire for cesses. Success demands: talent We are in general an extremely results. Indeed there was also ea- and work. Of course attitude is successful nation with respect to gerness to be able to control your also very important, as it is with sports results, and this does not body and master certain skills. It all work. And I simply loved to apply only to the current year. was then of course followed by a work out. The results we achieve are truly result. All of this together taught amazing. I believe that due to us a special lesson. To put it sim- In addition to outstanding our own self-criticism we are ply – you cannot be a cheater and achievements during your sports not even aware of this fact. Nev- win. You have to do some things career you also completed a law ertheless, sport is a great way to in a certain way, if you don’t, you degree and later opened your promote the country, it is very simply cannot succeed. own law firm. How do you look emotional. Besides that, I find it back on that period today? exceptional how many Slovenes In the gym we also gathered You see, this was also part of the take part in recreational sports. important life experiences, not education during training ses- It is extraordinary to see all those only strictly sports skills. This sions. We were taught not to recreational runners, cyclists... was truly a complex collection of neglect education or schooling. we are truly a sports nation.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 45 sports Vesna Žarkovič, Photo: Nikola Janušić

Slovenia dancing for 60 years Slovenian dancers are among the best in the world

“Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing. It’s the rhythm of your life. It’s the expression in time and movement, in happiness, joy, sadness and envy.”

Miha Vodičar and Nadiya Bychkova, Euro- With this quote by an unknown Bolero’s adult show dance for- host was Domen Valič assisted pean and World Ten Dance Vice-Champi- author, mag. Drago Šulek, presi- mation “Birth – miracle of life”, by 9-year-old Lana Klemen, ons in 2013 dent of the DanceSport Fed- Klemen Pirman and Barbara show dance world champion in eration of Slovenia, took many Šamperl, rock ‘n’ roll formation the solo female category. participants for a trip down Briljantina Teens, Tina Rabič memory lane at the ceremony and Franc Pevc and adult R’n’R The Slovene Professional Dance on the occasion of the federa- formation, show dance small Organization also celebrated the tion’s 60th anniversary, after the group of the Kazina Dance Club 60th anniversary, where some President of Slovenia Borut Pa- with the winning number “Fly of the best Slovenian dancers in hor conferred a state decoration me to the moon”, electric boogie the world could be admired as on this umbrella dance sport or- dancers Andraž Mrak and Dejan well. ganisation. And who could have Djurovič from the Miki Domžale done this better than Slovenian Dance Club and SoFly, this year’s Origins before World War II The Slovene Professional dancers, currently among the best hip-hop formation in the best in the world in all three world from ŠKDPS Novo Mesto. “The great story and all small Dance Organization also disciplines, ballroom and Latin A true spectacle was also the stories included in it along our celebrated the 60th an- dance, rock ‘n’ roll and modern demonstration of figure 1 and 3 60-year path were and still are niversary, where some of dance? of the Jenko quadrille with the written by thousands of former performance of Mihael Verbič, and today’s dancers and their the best Slovenian danc- In Grand Hotel Union’s large doyen of the Ljubljana Dance parents, dance teachers, coach- ers in the world could be hall, the following dancers Club and the DanceSport Fed- es and officials. These stories admired as well. earned our admiration: Luca eration of Slovenia, who was a were written in dozens of dance Bussoletti and Tjaša Vulič, Miha student and friend of the dance schools, associations and clubs Vodičar and Nadiya Bychkova, maestro Adolf Jenko. The event’s that could not survive a period

46 Government Communication Office sports

this long and are still being writ- and most of them competed tions and member of the WDSF Slovenian dancers are currently among ten in 82 members composing in ballroom dancing. At first, presidency, and Slovenians the best in world. the DanceSport Federation of the federation was comprised Mirjam Kerpan Izak, president Slovenia today,” said its presi- of only four associations. Their of the World Rock’n’Roll Con- dent Drago Šulek on the occa- number is twenty times larger federation and member of the sion of the jubilee. today and the dancers also did WDSF presidency, Fiona John- an excellent job at international son Kocjančič, vice president In Slovenia, the origins of com- competitions bringing numer- and sports and competition petitive dance go back to the ous awards and medals from director of the International period before World War II European and world champion- Dance Organisation, and Verena In Slovenia, the origins when competitors were trained ships in the solo, duo or group Trofenik Šulek, director of the of competitive dance go by individual dance teachers, categories. “Dance is a universal Professional Division and mem- back to the period before while the conditions for regu- means of communication and a ber of the WDSF presidency, lar and organised operation and natural response to music and also attended the ceremony and World War II when com- pursuit of same goals were cre- rhythm,” emphasised Šulek. expressed their thanks, which petitors were trained by ated with the foundation of the proves that Slovenian dancers, individual dance teach- DanceSport Federation of Slo- The event was attended by nu- coaches and choreographers are venia on 13 November 1954. A merous representatives of more successful at an international ers, while the conditions few days later, a decision was than 80 dance clubs and as- level. Miroslav Cerar, Olympic for regular and organised also granted to the Association sociations operating under the champion and icon of Slovenian operation and pursuit of of Dance Teachers of the Peo- DanceSport Federation of Slo- sport, also participated in the ple’s Republic of Slovenia by the venia. Carlos Freitag, president event, while Janez Kocijančič, same goals were created then authorities. First years after of the World DanceSport Fed- president of the Olympic Com- with the foundation of the the foundation were not easy, as eration, Michael Wendt, presi- mittee of Slovenia, presented DanceSport Federation of competitors in tailcoats looked dent of the International Dance the DanceSport Federation of Slovenia on 13 November like supporters or followers of Organisation, presidents of na- Slovenia with the award of the the bourgeoisie which had been tional dance sport federations Olympic Committee of Slovenia 1954. abolished during the war. This is from neighbouring countries – Association of Sports Federa- why the number of competitors Austria, Croatia and Italy, Heidi tions on this occasion. was very small for a long time Götz, director of communica-

Sinfo – Slovenian information 47 sports Polona Prešeren

The 2014 Sports Year Is One To Remember Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA

Outstanding results in Sochi

This year got off to a fantastic start. Slovenia will not soon forget the remarkable results it achieved and the string of medals it took home from the Winter Olympics in Sochi. It was a dream come true. Never before had the Olympic Games seen such a haul of medals go to Slovenian athletes. Skier Tina Maze brought home two gold medals in downhill and giant slalom. Slove- nia’s snowboarder Žan Košir and ski jumper Peter Prevc each claimed a bronze and a silver; bronze also went to biathlete Teja Gregorin and cross-country skier Vesna Fabjan. The Slovenian national ice hockey team also achieved an excellent re- sult, making its debut in the Olym- pic men’s hockey tournament un- der the leadership of national team coach Matjaž Kopitar and star play- er Anže Kopitar.

Young Slovenian athletes at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games

At the second Youth Olympic Games, which were held in Nanjing in China in the second half of August, the Slovenian flag was represented by 48 young athletes. 32 boys and 16 girls competed in athletics, badminton, golf, sailing, judo, kayak, cycling, basketball (3 on 3), ar- chery, swimming, handball, shooting, taekwondo and rowing. The young athletes amazed everybody with their outstanding performances by bagging eight medals. Photo: Daniel Novaković/STA

48 Government Communication Office sports Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA

Basketball World Championship

Even though the outlook for the Slovenian basketball team had been more promising, Slo- venia finished 7th in the World Basketball Championship. This was nevertheless an -im pressive performance from the team under the direction of national head coach Jure Zdovc against the toughest competition in basketball from all over the world. It is also the best result ever achieved by our basketball national team at world cup events. When making its debut in the Basketball World Cup in Japan eight years ago, team Slovenia took 9th place, and it also secured 8th place in Istanbul four years ago. Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA

NK Maribor in the Champions League

Slovenian na- tional football champion NK Maribor earned its place in the Champions League for the second time in 15 years after a thrilling vic- tory over Celtic in Glasgow. The goal from Marcos Tavares ranked Maribor among the top 32 teams of Eu- rope. Maribor’s performance in the Champions League was also outstanding.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 49 sports Photo: Daniel Novaković/STA

Awards for best athletes of 2014 Tina Maze, Peter Prevc, and the national hockey team named best athletes of 2014

Alpine skier Tina Maze and ski jumper Peter Prevc were named best athletes of the year for the second time running, and the Slovenian men’s national ice hockey team was named country’s best team. This is Maze’s 5th time taking home the award, Prevc’s 2nd, and the hockey team’s 4th.

The titles of the best athlete of the year are awarded by the Slovenian sports journalists who make up the Slovenian Sports Journalists’ Association, therefore the athletes are chosen by the very people who follow their achievements the closest. The two-time Olympic champ Tina Maze received 386 points in the Association’s voting, overtaking the biathlete Teja Gregorin (191) and the ski runner Vesna Fabijan (155). Following Prevc, who received 318 points, was LA Kings hockey player Anže Kopitar (196) and in third place the snowboarder Žan Košir (168). The Olympic Games in Sochi also determined the winners in the team category, as the national hockey team, Olympic Games quarter-finalists, got 69 votes, Maribor Football Club 55, and the national basketball team 2 votes.

The athlete Maruša Mišmaš won the first-ever award for the outstanding young athlete, which will become a tradition from now on. The Slovenian Sports Journalists’ Association announced the winners at the annual Athlete of the Year event in Gallus Hall at Ljubljana’s Cankarjev dom. Janez Kocijančič also received a special recognition as his term at the head of the Slovenian Olympic movement, where he had been since 1991, came to a close.

50 Government Communication Office Let us put a smile on children’s faces

Campaign for collecting toys and supplies for children from socially disadvantaged families

In cooperation with social work centres and volunteers, the Association for Psychological Counselling Kameleon (Društvo za psihološko sodelovanje Ka- meleon) carried out a campaign to collect toys, school supplies and sweets to be given to children from socially disadvantaged families for Christmas. In the framework of a humanitarian campaign, which is being carried out for the third time, presents have so far been distributed to more than 2,000 children. In the campaign entitled “Let us put a smile on children’s faces”, the Kameleon asso- ciation placed boxes in pre-schools, elementary and secondary schools, facul- ties and some companies to collect new or well-maintained toys, school supplies and sweets. At the beginning of the humanitarian campaign, the project manager and deputy president of the Kameleon association Anja Goršek told that in 2010, when toys and school supplies were collected for the first time, they intended to donate them to children from Ljubljana and its surrounding area. But people’s responses were so positive and so many toys were collected that the campaign was expanded to the entire Slovenia.

Presents, which will be distributed at the closing ceremony on 20 December, are aimed for children from socially disadvantaged families up to the age of 14 years. Anja Goršek said that children who will receive presents are selected with the help of social work centres, schools and pre-schools, and added that they are trying to prepare presents which match children’s wishes as closely as possible. Photo: Mostphotos