SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

As part of the discussion on Slovenia's five fundamental values, we delved into the value of belonging, understood as connection with the environment, community, nature, and with the people who give value to our lives.

The pupils expressed what »feeling at home« means to them by drawing and painting.

Lara Vuk (year 6) expressed belonging through a memory of travelling with her mother. Her artwork depicts a restaurant on a river terrace. For her, belonging stems from moments spent with loved ones.

Mia Kukec (6th grade) depicted a younger sister observing the horizon from in front of her house, from where the salt pans are visible. The landscape is not just a backdrop, but part of personal identity: growing up in this area means recognising oneself in its colours and open spaces.

Year 6 pupil Isabel Fazio presented a day when sitting by the sea and watching the waves brings her peace and joy. The sea thus becomes a space of emotional belonging, a space of serenity and reflection.

Emanuel Fusil (6th grade) expressed his connection to the marine world with a drawing created using dots and lines. The dynamic waves and sailboat represent his passion for the sea. For him, belonging means feeling part of the natural environment he loves to experience while sailing.

Erna Ignjatović (9th grade) depicted our school as a symbol of belonging to the school community and connection with classmates. The school represents a space for growth, relationships, and daily cooperation. In the second part, she drew an airport, because, as she says: »Everywhere is nice, but home is the nicest.«

Ilona Šoštarič (9th grade) painted a landscape between mountains and the sea, where she finds her inner peace. The path and nature suggest balance and harmony. In her case, belonging is a deep connection with nature.

Maša Poznanović (9th grade) depicted a pier, the sea, and herself with her friends. In this work, belonging intertwines with friendship and shared experiences. The environment becomes a space for relationships, memories, and mutual growth.

Valentina Spiezia Bakić (8th grade) depicted a table with a cup and a bottle of extra virgin olive oil, a characteristic product of Istrian homes. Olive oil, which can be tasted directly or used in everyday food preparation, becomes a symbol of tradition, culture, and family continuity. Through this simple yet meaningful motif, the connection to roots, to working the land, and to habits passed down through generations is shown.

With this project, the students learned that belonging doesn't just mean living in a certain place, but recognising yourself in it, respecting it, and actively contributing to the community of which we are a part.

Primary School Piran