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Critics question giving constitutions to Slovenian first-graders
๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ Slovenia /Culture & Society

Critics question giving constitutions to Slovenian first-graders

From Delo · () Slovenian

Translated from Slovenian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Slovenia's Ministry of Education plans to give copies of the constitution to first-graders, sparking debate about the appropriateness of the gift for young children.
  • Critics argue that first-graders are too young to understand the constitution and that the initiative distracts from the importance of the first day of school.
  • The ministry aims to foster an understanding of constitutional values and civic responsibility, while some politicians question the timing and practicality of the initiative amid other educational challenges.

Slovenia's Ministry of Education has announced a plan to distribute copies of the constitution to first-graders as they begin their school year. The initiative, led by Minister Borut Ronฤeviฤ‡, aims to encourage young students to understand constitutional values, civic responsibility, and active participation in a democratic society. Ronฤeviฤ‡ defended the move, stating on social media that "Slovenian patriotism is not something we should be ashamed of."

Slovenian patriotism is not something we should be ashamed of.

โ€” Borut Ronฤeviฤ‡Minister Borut Ronฤeviฤ‡'s defense of the initiative on social media.

However, the decision has drawn criticism from various quarters. The Association of School Principals and Deputy Principals has expressed concerns that the distribution might distract from the significance of the first day of school for children and parents. Saลกo Boลพiฤ, the association's president, questioned the practicality of giving a constitution to children who cannot yet read. He highlighted that schools are currently facing more pressing issues, such as a shortage of teachers, suggesting that resources might be better allocated to address these fundamental needs.

We can ask ourselves whether it makes sense to distribute the constitution to children who cannot yet read.

โ€” Saลกo BoลพiฤPresident of the Association of School Principals and Deputy Principals, questioning the appropriateness of the gift.

Political opposition has also voiced skepticism. Luka Gorลกek, a member of the Social Democrats (SD), criticized the initiative, pointing out that some parents struggle to afford basic school supplies while the ministry is distributing constitutions and flags. He suggested this reflects a disconnect from reality by the current government. Other politicians, including Lenart ลฝavbi from the Freedom Movement and Janez Beja from NSi, SLS, and Fokus, have also expressed reservations, with Beja calling the distribution of constitutions to first-graders "premature."

At this moment, we are dealing with where to find teachers who will teach children to read so they can read the constitution.

โ€” Saลกo BoลพiฤHighlighting the pressing issues facing schools, such as teacher shortages.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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