SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

Vera Horjak Kravos is a very active woman who is never bored. Thanks to her mother and father, values such as mutual help, respect, belonging and love have been with her since she was a little girl. She has passed them on to her family, and today the extended family is very close-knit and close-knit. She also passes on her optimism and empathy to others, devoting much of her free time to volunteering to help people in various ways. She offers them, above all, conversation and support. 

»People often need to talk, especially those who are facing different hardships in life,« she says, adding, »Sometimes they also need someone to guide them or connect them with someone who can help them solve their problem.« This is where Vera excels, as she often acts as a link person for people in need. Her wide network of friendships built up over the years helps her to find solutions quickly for others.

One fine winter day, she told me a few stories from her rich treasure trove of experience. She mentioned that many people in their older years find themselves in need when they are left alone in a house or apartment. She was approached by an elderly couple who lived alone while their son lived abroad. They needed help, so they asked Vera if she knew anyone who could help them with the occasional household chores. She put them in touch with someone who now comes to them and does various jobs, and everyone is happy.

Once, Vera was confided in by a lady who needed someone to help her with ironing because she was overwhelmed with work. »You know, I feel so embarrassed to ask for help. I need someone to help me with my ironing every week, because I can't find the time to do what they don't understand in the village,« she said. Vera quickly found a suitable person who was happy to help her with this task.

Faith also dedicates part of her free time to the bereaved. Some time ago, she was approached by a woman whose life seemed to have turned upside down in a short period of time. She found herself in a difficult situation, as her mother, father and sister had all died within the space of a year. She was also going through a divorce at the time, and was also struggling financially. Faith helped her during that period with a talk and support from the community, which gradually helped her to get back on her feet. 

Vera explains that she learns a lot from the stories she watches and from life. »Both children and the elderly have a lot of wisdom to impart, if only you can listen to them,« she says. She adds that helping others warms her soul. »It can be hard to see the hardships someone is going through, but at the end of the day, when you draw the line, you see how much it enriches you to help others."

Mateja Sekavčnik, 15. 12. 2025