As the Living Learning Lab navigated the breathtaking terrains of Karst, Slovenia, we set sail on an impactful voyage of fostering connections and giving back to the community. This venture fused travel, education, and community engagement, offering an innovative blend of exploration and positive impact.
In the words of Winston Churchill, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." This ethos was at the core of our journey. We questioned traditional notions of travel, seeking ways to combine our passion for exploration with meaningful contributions to the communities we visited.
The initiative wasn't limited to digital nomads and responsible travelers. We also involved local youth, offering them a unique opportunity to partake in a coliving experience and connect with digital nomads and other mentors. This was not only a learning opportunity but a chance to break down barriers and build enduring friendships.
Vishakha, a participant from India: “Thank you for having me as a part of the first LLL. It was worth every kilometer I traveled from India. I am truly grateful to have been part of this event and to have met all the participants, organizers, and locals, and formed genuine bonds with them, making the experience so special."
It wasn't about fleeting tourist encounters. It was about being part of the community, making a difference, and creating lasting bonds.
Besides contributing to vineyard work and other local endeavors, we created vibrant spaces for interaction between foreign visitors and local youth. This enriching cultural exchange sparked many a heartfelt conversation and fostered mutual understanding.
Yet, the thirst to contribute was far from quenched. Participants wanted more opportunities to give back, eager to dive deeper into the community. They preferred even more meaningful work over touristy activities, a revelation that we proved their commitment to the community.
Our goal was not merely to make a visible impact, but also a "soft" impact. This involved breathing life into rural villages, fostering strong connections between visitors and locals that extended beyond the duration of the event. Though difficult to measure, the importance of this emotional and cultural impact cannot be overstated.
During the Living Learning Lab event, we also organized two enriching workshops. The first workshop focused on "The Impacts of Digital Nomads in Rural Areas," where we were fortunate to have Drejc Kokošar from Zavod ID20 as a speaker. The second workshop revolved around "Social Entrepreneurship and DAOs." During this session, three promising social startups showcased their initiatives, and we were joined by Lenka Puh from Etri Community. Additionally, we had Uroš and Valentina Hrastar from Qvrse contributing their valuable insights. These workshops served as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering dialogue and sparking innovative ideas.
As we look to the future, we are eager to organize more events like this. We aim to build on the lessons learned, striking a balance between 'hard' impacts like volunteer work and 'soft' impacts like cultural bonding. Our vision is to expand our reach, offering coliving experiences to digital nomads across the Slovenia and beyond, all while incorporating 'giving back' activities.
"Living Learning Lab is more than just an event - it's a constant commitment to sustainable tourism and revitalization of local communities. We are thrilled with the positive results from our premiere Karst edition and look forward to opportunities where we will contribute to even more such activities and changes in rural and peripheral communities across Slovenia and the world," says Tadej Rogelja, one of the organizers of the event.
One crucial insight from the event was the necessity of understanding the local community and its needs. One of the organizers, Tadej, who comes from the village, played a vital role in bridging the gap between travelers and locals. As he stated, "We're not here to impose anything; it's our responsibility to understand the community's needs first."
The Living Learning Lab Karst offered a glimpse into the potential of travel as a force for good. It reaffirmed that the desire to give back is real and strong, but it requires careful guidance and a deep understanding of the communities we engage with. By fostering this new form of travel, we aim to bridge cultural divides, benefit local economies, and create unforgettable experiences for travelers.
Participants of the Living Learning Lab event, among other things, also contributed funds to the foundation ‘’Vrabček upanja’’ in the amount of 50 € for the reforestation of Karst with the intention of mitigating the effects of the largest fire in Slovenian history.
In conclusion, the event may have ended, but our journey continues. We remain steadfast in our commitment to responsible tourism and community development, looking forward to inspiring change in rural communities worldwide.
Moreover, we aspire to empower local youth to travel differently and provide them with inspiration for the road ahead. We believe in the potential of each young person to make a difference, and through these transformative journeys, we hope to inspire a new generation of responsible travelers and change-makers.
Stay tuned for our next adventure. We can't wait to share it with you.
The journey was made possible thanks to all participants and the support of the local municipality Miren-Kostanjevica as well as ŠTKD Farjovca and Zavod za Turizem Miren Kras.
FromZero Alliance and UP FTS sTOUdio Turistica look forward to continuing to share the stories of this transformative journey through their social media. Follow progress and updates by subscribing to our monthly newsletter.
About the organizers
FromZero Alliance members are among the global pioneers of tourism innovation and sustainability, striving to foster a new generation of responsible travelers and young decision makers. Through initiatives like the Living Learning Lab, they empower individuals to make a positive difference in the communities they visit.
Student Sustainable TOUrism Development & Innovation Office – UP FTS sTOUdio Turistica is a pilot R&D program that connects students, businesses and universities. The headquarters are located at UP FTS Turistica in Portorož, Slovenia.
Contacts
Email: info@fromzero.global
Website FromZero: https://fromzero.global/
Website UP FTS sTOUdio Turistica: https://stoudio.turistica.si/
Photo credits: Alan Bucar Vuksic