By: Dr Andreja Valič Zver
Before the start of the school year, we dedicated Pučnik’s European evening to the state and challenges facing the Slovenian education system. The event was organised as a joint meeting of the Committee for Education, Science, and Sports at the SDS Expert Council and the Dr Jože Pučnik Institute. We invited Milan Zver, former Minister of Education and Sports (2004–2008) and current Member of the European Parliament, Alenka Helbl, Vice-Chair of the National Assembly’s Committee on Education, Science, and Youth and a former professor, and Mojca Škrinjar, former State Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, Member of Parliament, professor, and principal.
We observed that the world is radically changing before our eyes, but the educational process is not keeping pace, nor is it adequately interpreting these changes. The key question is whether the system sufficiently empowers individuals to confront these changes. It is evident that Slovenian education is at a standstill. In an era when artificial intelligence can provide a myriad of answers to any question, the educational system often still operates on inertia, in a manner reminiscent of the teaching methods from the time of Maria Theresa – a combination of questions and memorised answers. However, today’s challenge is to first ask the right questions and identify problems. It is necessary to uncover the creative spirit within individuals while also educating them for ethical behaviour.
The Slovenian education system, despite the failed Gaber reform – which primarily benefited publishers – managed to lay some solid foundations during the centre-right governments. Unfortunately, these foundations have been severely eroded by left-wing governments. For example, during the 2004–2008 term, the centre-right coalition succeeded in incorporating ethics, national consciousness, and patriotic education into legislation. But if these are not implemented, they remain mere words on paper. We should recall that after the change of government in 2008, the then-new Minister of Education, Igor Lukšič, on his first day, ordered the hanging of posters with a clenched fist throughout the Ministry of Education, and then strongly promoted a project that celebrated the OF (Liberation Front) and similar “national liberation” values. Highly questionable revolutionary projects continued under Minister Jernej Pikalo, who “distinguished” himself by fighting against the constitutionally guaranteed 100% funding for private (especially Catholic) schools. As a result, Slovenian education remains the most nationalised in comparison with other European countries.
During the 2004–2008 term, a curriculum overhaul took place, which is a conditio sine qua non for a modern educational process. Among other things, despite opposition from some “repetitive” academic authorities, the topic of Slovenian independence was included in the history curriculum. The then-Minister also ordered the raising of the Slovenian flag in front of schools. Thick books could be written about the renovations and construction of schools, kindergartens, and sports facilities during that term.
After years of left-liberal and leftist rampaging through the Slovenian educational field, we are now witnessing the administration of a “no-name” Minister, who, together with his cohort of officials and institutions at an annual meeting in Brdo, promises to start the renovation of the severely exhausted education system by around 2026! An incompetent team, after two years in power, is just now getting acquainted with the problems of Slovenian education and is solemnly promising to prepare solutions and begin a curriculum overhaul. Thus, the Slovenian education system will set a record – 18 years without curriculum updates. This is a cultural genocide affecting generations of Slovenian students, as well as their parents and the broader social environment. With an increasing number of officials and institutions working in education, bureaucracy is growing, relationships are deteriorating, violence in schools is rising, and social networks are seeing an increasing number of uncritical statements following unscientific ideas and charlatans. Slovenian students and teachers are among the most burdened according to OECD studies, but in terms of performance, we are increasingly lagging behind. Burnout is widespread, and for the first time in a long time, there is a severe shortage of teachers. Particularly in secondary schools, there is a noticeable lack of motivation among students. Their performance, as well as their reading, mathematical, and scientific literacy, is declining. The intrusion of “gender” ideology and LGBTQ paradigms is increasingly disturbing parents who are concerned about this kind of indoctrination and propaganda. The direction this leads us is clearly illustrated by the “invention” of French bureaucrats, who decided that the terms “father” and “mother” must be replaced with “parent 1” and “parent 2” on school forms and in schools. We must prevent our path from heading in this direction.
Let’s not forget that Slovenian culture, language, and education have shaped and preserved our nation. It would be a shot in the foot to leave education in the hands of those who have never seen an independent and free Slovenia as their intimate choice!