SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS IN SLIVNICA

This time, Erasmus+ Think Green! landed in Slovenia, specifically in the Styria region (Štajerska in the native language), in the village of Slivnica near Maribor. The theme of this gathering was bees—gatherers of delicious, healthy floral nectar and tireless pollinators without whom life on Earth would be unimaginable. On Sunday, the 20th, students and mentors from four European countries—Poland, Romania, Portugal, and Spain—met their host families, with whom they would share a roof, meals, customs, and countless fun experiences over the next five days.

On Monday morning, the 21st, we all gathered at the Franc Lešnik - Vuk Primary School in Slivnica pri Mariboru. The school hall, decorated with welcome signs in all five languages by local students, set the stage for a warm reception by the headmaster, who invited the guests to explore the school premises and interact with the students. The lively atmosphere was further enhanced by the school dance group, whose energetic performance of morning exercises left smiles on everyone’s faces. The enthusiastic applause spoke louder than words ever could.

From the hall, we moved through bright classrooms, greeted by friendly smiles, laughter, and occasional nervousness, before heading to the gym and the schoolyard. There, playgrounds, green lawns, and majestic trees awaited us, with fields and forests visible just beyond the fence—a space that breathes and inspires. The guests eagerly explored every corner, gaining insight into everyday school life—from vibrant classroom activities to relaxed interactions during breaks. We also visited the kindergarten, where the youngest pupils welcomed us with songs, dances, and handmade souvenirs—adorable little bees.

At the school’s apiary, we were welcomed by a beekeeper who introduced us to the fascinating lives of bees. During a beeswax candle-making workshop, we stayed brave and focused, despite the busy bees buzzing around us. We also visited a garden of melliferous plants and herbs, where we tasted different types of honey—a sweet finale! The interaction continued during a physical education class, where we participated in various games to bond and get to know one another. Students involved in the project then presented their countries. Each of them made a tremendous effort to speak confidently in English in front of such a large audience, which wasn't easy. Our time at the school culminated with lunch and honey-based desserts, freshly baked by the school staff—a sweet final touch before students, brimming with new impressions, spent the afternoon with their host families.

On Tuesday, 22nd, we set off on our first excursion. In the morning, we visited the Municipality of Hoče–Slivnica, where the mayor and his team gave us a warm welcome. They presented the municipality and its numerous activities in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. We learned about their dedication to combining local product cultivation with cultural events, as seen at the Saturday market in Pivola. This market, in addition to selling fresh, local produce, also hosts seasonal events such as St. Martin’s Day and Halloween. They emphasized the importance of community, socializing, and exchanging experiences.

Our next stop was the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Pivola. As the morning fog lifted, a few rays of sunshine greeted us, along with a lecturer who welcomed us in front of the faculty. From a lecture hall window, we admired a mulberry plantation and learned about the historical significance of mulberry trees and silkworms. We also had the chance to sample some excellent mulberry tea. Exploring the plantation up close was a unique experience for most of us, as it marked our first encounter with this historically significant plant, which was once vital to the silk industry.

Our journey continued to the Botanical Garden, where neatly arranged paths, passages, and labyrinths guided us to a variety of fascinating plant species. The carnivorous plants, with their peculiar shapes and behaviors, captured our attention the most.

We ended the day back at school with a St. Martin’s feast. We enjoyed a delicious meal of beef noodle soup, traditional flatbread dumplings, roast chicken, and red cabbage, all while laughing and enthusiastically sharing our experiences. For dessert, we savored honey cake and gingerbread, which had been prepared by sixth graders under their teacher's guidance during a home economics class.

On Wednesday, the 23rd, we went to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. On the way there, we stopped in Lukovica, a place known for its bees. We learned about the Carniolan honey bee, Slovenia’s native species, and its medicinal honey products. Then we were off to the capital, "the most beautiful city in the world." A guide walked us through the history of Ljubljana and green Slovenia, highlighting its cultural and architectural landmarks. The young participants enjoyed a brief solo stroll through the city’s old town center. We sweetened our return journey with giant doughnuts from Trojane – a delightful end to another day with our Erasmus family.

On Thursday, 24th, we explored the capital of Štajerska, Maribor. Our first stop was the Maribor Experiment Center, where we encountered science in a fun and engaging way. At the Dance Center, energetic and entertaining dance instructors delighted us with workshops that were excellent for strengthening new friendships through dance.

Afterward, we toured Maribor’s charming old town, soaking in the lively city atmosphere. We then took a short hike up to Piramida, a popular viewpoint. Although the dense autumn mist obscured Pohorje, the view of the city was still beautiful, and the hike provided a perfect opportunity to deepen our bonds. The day ended wonderfully back at school, where we joined younger students in carving spooky pumpkins, roasting chestnuts, and taking themed photos to celebrate the upcoming Halloween holiday – a true autumn fairy tale that brought us closer to the local culture and traditions.

Friday, the 25th, the last day of the Erasmus+ week, began with an ethnological art workshop led by teacher Sarita, where we painted beehive panels. These could easily decorate any hive and invite bees to visit. Under the guidance of teacher Žiga, we built a bug hotel, with saws and hammers working hard. We also learned to handle new tools and create responsibly using natural materials. With teacher Tanja, we crafted calendula ointment, eagerly following each step, mixing the ingredients, and enjoying the delightful aromas. Each of us took home a jar of the ointment, perfect for soothing dry winter skin and serving as a fragrant reminder of our newfound friendships.

The week flew by. Farewells were filled with hugs, promises to stay in touch, and hopes of meeting again someday. In the end, we may be less “green,” but we think more green because we care!

Compiled and edited by Vojka Miklavc, based on writings by Janja Srebrnič, Damijana Lebar, and Mihaela Macarol.