NEW FACES OF SLOVENIA
Read Anna’s story.
Who am I?
I come from Ukraine. I have been dealing with the topics of human rights and culture in the region for more than 20 years. After graduation, I obtained a master’s degree in public relations.
In Slovenia, I applied to expand the scope. I have always had my own projects and have never searched for jobs. Before that, I also worked in Slovenia, where I had more than a year of successful experience in a visual arts studio in Kijev, where I worked and dealt with adult education.
I showcased my work in USA, Switzerland, Ukraine, and elsewhere. My work was often published on the cover of the magazine with a circulation of 50,000 copies, which was issued for the Penguin Random House.
After the first year living in Slovenia, I have successfully passed the exam of the Slovenian language, which shows respect to the country, and is crucial for being included in society and its people, and of course opens the possibility of qualitative inclusion.
Coming to Slovenia
After the invasion of Russia in Ukraine, I established an international community of Ukrainian artists and artists under the name of UARТIСТ. The aim of the community is to support contemporary Ukrainian artists and their visibility in the global context while also fostering mutual support among each other and in Ukraine during this difficult and challenging time.
In the past 2 years, I have organized numerous art shows of Ukrainian art in Ljubljana.
Importance of language
Even though, I do not need a Slovenian language certificate for work, as I mainly work in Ukrainian language and English, it only took me 1 year to pass the official exam for Slovene language. It is an important sign of my respect towards the country and it’s people. On the other hand, it opens doors and opportunities on my path to integration.
Challenges in their way to integration for foreigners according to Anna:
- Among the problems that need to be resolved is the possibility that foreigners find it more difficult to open bank accounts. This issue also affects individuals who have a valid residence permit. Slovenian authorities speak of a lack of personnel, yet a person wanting to open their own business or gain employment is sometimes unable to open a bank account.
- Another issue I see is language learning. Free or more affordable Slovenian language programs at a higher level for foreigners would make integration easier. Currently, the state offers 180 hours, which is very little. Language is the key to integration, and more should be done in this direction.
Let’s fight the stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination. Every individual deserves the opportunity to participate in society on an equal footing. Let’s stand together for a more inclusive and equitable future.
“The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.”
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 “𝑩𝑶𝑫𝑬/𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒛 𝑶𝒗𝒊𝒓 𝑫𝒐 𝑬𝒏𝒂𝒌𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒊” 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝟒𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝒊𝒏 𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒂 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 – 𝒕𝒐 𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒆 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.
You can read more about the BODE+ project HERE.
In cooperation with ADRA, the project is also on this page.
