First African week in Slovenia

In the last week of May, Sloga together with the African centre Association, organised the first African week in Slovenia. The event aimed at diminishing negative images of Africans living in Slovenia as well as raising awareness of African culture, languages, good practices and challenges that Africans as well as other migrants/nationals may be facing in Slovenia. Starting on May 20, 2010, the week hosted many events – from roundtables, public events, cultural workshops, as well as a football match. The African week, that finished on may 25th by a formal celebration, was welcomed by many eminent speakers – as the President of Slovenia, Dr. Danilo Türk, and mayor of Ljubljana, Zoran Janković. Based on their positive responses, as well as the substantive interest of media and general public, Sloga will emphasize to host an African week on a yearly basis.

Besides the African week, Sloga took part in a traditional running marathon in beginning of May. Sloga formed a »fair trade« running trio: Slovenian foreign minister, Samuel Žbogar, the coordinator of the first fair trade store in Slovenia, Darja Urbas and coordinator of Sloga, Marjan Huč. After the marathon, the running trio headed to the fair trade store, where they discussed some relevant issues related to development cooperation and the position of NGOs in Slovenia.

Information provided by Eva Pliberšek, Sloga Platform