Peer review in Postojna
How can we better support migrants and unaccompanied minors? How can we help them adapt to local culture and integrate into the labor market? These were the key questions addressed during the peer review in Postojna, conducted as part of the MILEstone project. The event brought together stakeholders from Postojna, Slovenian experts, and project partners from Germany, Spain, and Poland. The goal was to assess and form suggestions for improving local integration practices.
Postojna’s Commitment to Inclusion
For years, Postojna has actively worked on accepting and integrating migrants and unaccompanied minors into society and the labor market. By collaborating internationally and exchanging good practices, the Municipality of Postojna is committed to ensuring a faster and more effective integration process.
During the three-day peer review, international experts explored local initiatives that provide employment support, access to education, and tailored social inclusion programs. Site visits to accommodation centers, the Postojna Youth Center, and the Adult Education Center (slo. Ljudska univerza) offered valuable insights into both the challenges and successful approaches in the municipality.
Postojna – A Model of Good Practice
Participants and experts highlighted the exceptional accessibility of services in Postojna, where key institutions are located in close proximity – unlike in larger countries, where similar services are often hours apart.
They also praised the wide range of activities and strong cooperation between local, regional, and national institutions, which enable more effective migrant support.
One of the recognized good practices was the nationwide project “Moja pot” (eng. My Journey), an awareness-raising initiative that promotes intercultural dialogue, educates about migration, and strengthens social cohesion. The project is led by the Municipality of Postojna, but is carried out on the national level.
Slovenian Language – A Challenge, but Key to Integration
The peer review identified several key recommendations for improvement and future pilot actions aimed at creating long-term, effective solutions. One of the main challenges identified by local stakeholders is the language barrier. Lack of proficiency in Slovenian limits migrants' access to employment, education, and community engagement.
Based on successful international practices, new strategies have already been proposed to improve language learning and encourage more structured support for Slovenian language acquisition. The discussion also raised other important topics that will help shape future integration policies.
Next Steps
Insights gathered from international experts during the peer review will serve as the foundation for the development of the Municipal Youth Program 2025–2031. This strategy will outline concrete actions and improvements to enhance the integration of young migrants in Postojna and beyond.
