Zvonka Pangerc Pahernik

For nearly thirty years, Zvonka Pangerc Pahernik has been a driving force in the development of adult learning and education (ALE) in Slovenia and Europe. Pahernik, who holds a master of science degree, has served as head of the Promotion and Information unit for the Slovenian Institute for Adult Education since 1997. Among her numerous achievements, it is her development of Slovenia’s highly successful Lifelong Learning Week, held annually since 1996, and her advocacy for the New European Agenda for Adult Learning, that most exemplify her efforts to build up and raise awareness of a culture of lifelong learning for all.

As creator of Slovenia’s national Lifelong Learning Week, Pahernik brings together the country’s education and training sectors to raise awareness of and celebrate ALE. This five-week campaign, typically held in May/June, features around nine thousand events and draws two thousand stakeholders. Attendees gain a better understanding of the omnipresence of ALE as well as its benefits and the need for cooperation among providers, local communities, enterprises, and social partners to deliver it. The success of the Slovenian Lifelong Learning weeks, the concept of which Pahernik has exported to other countries in southeastern Europe, is a testament to her commitment and patience. In recognition of Pahernik’s efforts in coordinating the initiative, the Ministry of Education presented her with the national award for exceptional achievements in education in 2014.

Pahernik has also been an influential shaper of European adult education policy. A member of a number of European working groups and committees, she is a strong voice for nonformal ALE in Slovenia and Europe. Her primary achievement in policy has been her advocacy for and design of the New European Agenda for Adult Learning, the key policy strategy for ALE in Europe. The Slovenian presidency of the European Council proposed and developed the Agenda in 2021; it was then adopted by the EU Council of Ministers.

Due to her successes, Pahernik was nominated to and served as national coordinator of the European Years of Skills (EYS). She organized and moderated two large EYS events: the Slovenian EYS opening in 2023 and a follow-up event, Skills for All, in 2024. She also served as a member of the Standing Group for Indicators and Benchmarks (2003–2018), representing Slovenia in the process of shaping and evaluating indicators in the field of education and training, with a focus on ALE.

Pahernik’s expertise in adult education bridges Slovenian and European policies, knowledge and practice of research, know-how of technical questions, and an understanding of how to address the general public and how to bring people and institutions to work together. A standout networker for ALE in Slovenia and Europe, she is an effective and respectful communicator.

Pahernik has written numerous articles in Slovenian and English for various newsletters, newspapers, as well as other publications, and has served as a presenter on adult education at a variety of domestic and international events. In her free time she is a keen advocate for living a healthy lifestyle, reading, and, of course, lifelong learning with an emphasis on learning communities. She has been and remains a crucial part of raising awareness about and increasing the visibility of adult education in Slovenia and Europe.