SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

Borut Antončič also responded to the call. Collaboration, after all, is one of our greatest values and the community's greatest strength.

His friend Jernej lives self-sufficiently on three hectares of land. Jernej embodies true values and possesses numerous skills, in addition to being a true source of knowledge about self-sufficiency. When he tore a back muscle, he was forced to rest for several weeks. As he is accustomed to daily work, the situation greatly upset him. He worried that due to the injury, he wouldn't be able to carry out spring tasks, which would seriously jeopardise his self-sufficiency and harvests. At a time when homegrown food is becoming increasingly valuable, he couldn't imagine being without his vegetable garden.

So he asked for help on social media. The response was exceptional. So many people came forward that he couldn't accept them all. As a thank you for their work, he offered participants a home-cooked meal and the option of accommodation.

Borut responded immediately. Nineteen adults, eight children, four dogs, and a cat arrived with him. Some already knew each other, while others forged new friendships on this very occasion, exchanging knowledge, experiences, and ideas.

With such a large team, they accomplished everything that was planned and more. Borut took on one of the more demanding tasks – rototilling two gardens, one measuring 20 x 8 metres and the other 10 x 10 metres. Before this, the mulch also needed to be removed. Then they planted potatoes, put up stakes, and sowed beans. Additionally, they stacked five cubic metres of firewood, mowed the grass, and weeded a section of the garden and the field.

The work took place in an excellent atmosphere. Everyone contributed their part and tasks were completed quickly. This left plenty of time for socialising, which is just as important as the work itself. When it got dark in the evening, they gathered around a fire, sang, played various musical instruments, and enjoyed pleasant company. Some also stayed overnight, thus concluding a day full of work, collaboration, and beautiful moments in a relaxed atmosphere.

The solidarity action therefore not only meant help for a person in need, but it also brought something valuable to everyone involved. Together they prepared a meal in a large cauldron over the fire, sharing stories, experiences and laughter. Some even arrived in camper vans, creating a truly special experience for themselves.

At the end of the day, Borut was happy and content to have been able to help a man who truly needed assistance, in the spirit of »All for one, one for all.« If this saying were followed more often, the world would certainly be a better place.

When help is not just toil, but also becomes an opportunity to socialise, everything is mutual and much more pleasant. We remember such days not only for the work done, but also for the people we meet and the moments we create together.

This is why I always realise again how important it is in today's world to live in a community of like-minded people.

Andreja Bakšič Grozdina