SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

The poet Dr. France Prešeren, who lived here for two years, left the greatest mark on the town. 

We always like to visit this place with the pupils of our school. Its beauty is also reflected in Plečnik's details. There is always something interesting to see between the walls of Khiselstein Castle and in the streets full of old townhouses. 

My colleagues and I were very curious to see the documentary New classmates, directed by our fellow countryman Toni Cahunek, who has spent five years studying the integration of children from Kosovo into Slovenian schools. He was inspired to make the documentary by the changes that have taken place in his native Kranj as a result of the economic growth, which has increased the demand for foreign workers who have started moving here, and their children have come with them.

The documentary tells the true stories of children, teachers and parents, and the struggles and successes of children in Kosovo. Part of the film is also shot in Kosovo, with moving footage of children revisiting their former schools, recalling memories and revealing the back stories of why their families moved away. 

These are true stories about how children experience moving, how they learn a new language, how they cope with loneliness and how a kind word in the classroom can lift them up. Each child, each look, each word brings something new, but at the same time universal; it is the desire to belong. 

Accepting difference starts right here: in the classroom, on the street, on the playground, in the shop...

The director shows us in a beautiful way how we can create a place for all the people who also want to live here, with respect for our own place. A place is not just our not only because we were born here, but it also belongs to the people who have chosen to stay here, to work here, to go to school here...

Sometimes it seems that we are different; in language, in customs, in appearance, in culture, but in these differences lies the opportunity to learn from each other, to grow and to become an even more diverse community. When we welcome someone from another place, we must also welcome their world and their stories, their music and their customs. Then we are no longer talking about them and about usbut about all of us together. Belonging is not about giving up who we are, but about being able to be who we are and to be accepted by others for all that we are. 

The documentary clearly shows how important belonging is for children from different cultural backgrounds. Individuals who feel a sense of belonging to a community are better able to develop, express their opinions and cooperate with others. Belonging gives a sense of security.

Home is where we live, where we are understood, heard and accepted for who we are. In all languages. With heart. 

Let difference be something that enriches us, not something that threatens us. Embracing difference does not mean forgetting who we are, but giving space for others to be who they are. 

I end with a thought from the director, who says that he wishes his new classmates would not stay newbut to become our classmates. So we will no longer use the terms in class They and me, but we will talk about all of them together. 

Maja Grošelj, 1. 6. 2025