Are we Slovenes at home, in the community and around the world becoming closer to one family?

On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the first conversation evening of the new cycle titled “The Slovenian Government on Visit” took place at the House of Saint Joseph in Celje. The guest was Suzana Lep Šimenko, the Minister for Slovenians Abroad and in the Diaspora. She addressed the question of whether Slovenians at home, in neighboring regions, and around the world are becoming one family. The venue plans to invite the Prime Minister and individual cabinet members over the next two years. These guests will appear monthly from October through May. The evenings are designed as simple, direct meetings with public officials to foster dialogue and connect politics with daily life. On November 17, Agriculture Minister Janez Cigler Kralj is scheduled to attend. Lep Šimenko described herself as a mother, wife, and minister, noting she has little time for anything else. She entered politics in 2014 after being elected to the National Assembly. During her final term, she led the committee for relations with Slovenians abroad and in the diaspora. Prior to this, she served on the same committee. By education, she holds a university degree in economics and spent much of her career in business before entering public service. She stated that strengthening ties between citizens at home and those abroad is essential. This includes learning from them and recognizing the value of domestic resources without needing to cross borders. She mentioned supervising students and young people at the St. Stanislaus Institute in Šentvid who participate in exchanges. Even if their language skills are limited, these individuals sing Slovenian songs from the heart. Lep Šimenko observed that during visits to Slovenian masses, attendees often pray in Slovenian because grandmothers taught them. They play the accordion and bake traditional cakes, though language proficiency sometimes wanes. Mixed marriages are common today, making multi-generational unions among pure Slovenians rare. Maintaining the language thousands of kilometers away presents a challenge. However, Argentina stands out as a positive example. Children there attend Saturday schools for years, even into their teenage years, to learn the language and culture. As a reward, many visit Slovenia for a month. For some, this is their first trip to the country. Summer schools help improve language skills and allow visitors to experience Slovenia’s lakes, mountains, and rivers. The office uses the slogan “With Slovenia in the Heart,” reflecting how diaspora communities hold the country dear despite post-World War II hardships. The Minister noted that caring for Slovenians beyond the border is extensive work that consumes a person entirely. Weeks and months fill with visits, efforts, and exertions. Yet, the completed work provides energy and satisfaction. One feels love for Slovenianness after giving people what they need, which improves their lives and strengthens national belonging. The Office for Slovenians Abroad handles specific content to preserve and strengthen identity. Summer camps for young and older visitors are crucial. Many find this month-long stay significantly meaningful. Success depends partly on the atmosphere at home. Priests and churches serve as centers for spiritual and national culture. It is vital to provide financial aid to these communities alongside understanding and willingness to help. Slovenia can view larger diaspora groups, such as the Argentine community, as bridges for economic cooperation. These groups can serve as entry points for local entrepreneurs of Slovenian descent into European markets. Preserving identity is a long-distance race. Despite communication channels, live contact and concrete meetings make the biggest difference. Lep Šimenko acts as a strong advocate for these communities. Results are already visible due to her dedication. The evening featured a choral greeting by boys from the Joseph Hill area. Journalist and Radio Ognjišče editor Alen Salihović moderated the discussion. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions at the end. The event aimed to explore the paradox that those farther from the homeland often feel stronger attachment than those nearby. The goal is to ensure that all Slovenians, regardless of location, maintain a sense of unity and shared heritage. Financial support for cultural institutions abroad remains a key component of this strategy. The government seeks to leverage these connections for both cultural preservation and economic benefit.