Study title

STANE BOROVNIK hails from Velenje, a small town with a labor-oriented community that gained significance after World War II when large coal deposits were discovered. The subsequent establishment of a coal mine spurred rapid growth, attracting young families and leading to a relatively higher standard of living compared to other areas in Slovenia and Yugoslavia. Despite the town's prosperity, access to public services, schools, and cultural amenities was somewhat limited. During the late 1960s, Stane attended elementary and high school amidst a cultural shift influenced by Western music, particularly rock, rock and roll, and jazz. Stane became interested in town twinning and youth exchange programs after witnessing German visitors in Velenje and hearing about Velenje youths visiting Esslingen. This led to Stane's involvement in coordinating international youth exchanges among twin towns, including Esslingen, Schiedam, Vienne, Neath, and Norrköping. Despite initial reluctance due to political affiliations, Stane agreed to lead the initiative under the condition of autonomy and sufficient resources. Stane's parents had contrasting experiences during World War II. Stane's mother, growing up on a farm near Velenje, found herself caught in a precarious situation, as her home served as a passageway for both partisans and Germans. Despite her initial confusion, she eventually sided with the partisans, working as a courier and engaging in underground activities. However, she was later caught by the Germans and imprisoned in Austria, facing false accusations of collaboration upon her release. Conversely, Stane's father, living on a mountain farm south of Velenje, had fewer encounters with German forces but steadfastly supported the partisans. His family provided assistance whenever possible, offering food and shelter to partisan fighters. Despite their support for the resistance, neither of Stane's parents were members of the communist party, and they harbored resentment...