Zavod Lastena

Connecting people.
Building belonging.

Helping foreigners feel at home and become part of Slovenian society.

We create opportunities for connection, learning, cultural exchange and active participation — bringing people from different backgrounds closer together.

Welcome to Lastena

A place to connect, belong and grow.

Moving to a new country can be exciting — but it can also feel lonely, unfamiliar and complicated.

Zavod Lastena creates spaces where foreigners can meet people, discover opportunities, share their cultures and build meaningful connections with Slovenian society.

We believe integration is not about leaving one identity behind. It is about creating connections between people, cultures and communities — and building a society where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute and belong.

A group of friends laughing together outdoors

Connect

Meet people and build meaningful relationships.

Understand

Discover Slovenian culture, society and everyday life.

Participate

Get involved, contribute and create positive change.

Our reason

Why Lastena?

Starting over in a new country means a new language, new systems and new unwritten rules — often without the family, friends and networks you left behind. Too many newcomers face all of that on their own.

Lastena exists to change that. We believe integration should go both ways: newcomers get to know Slovenia, and Slovenia gets to know the people who now call it home.

Why Lastena exists

Our Mission

To help foreigners navigate life in Slovenia, build meaningful connections, understand the society around them, and become active participants in their new community.

What we do

From connection to participation

Community & Networking

Events and activities that bring people together.

Education & Workshops

Learning opportunities, practical knowledge and skills.

Cultural Exchange

Sharing cultures, traditions, experiences and ideas.

Integration & Inclusion

Creating bridges between newcomers and the wider Slovenian community.

Research & Social Projects

Developing ideas and projects that support a more inclusive society.

Volunteering

Opportunities to contribute to the community.

Explore what we do

Meet GLOW

GLOW

An international women's club in Slovenia.

GLOW brings together women from different countries and backgrounds to connect, share experiences, discover Slovenia and build friendships.

Explore GLOW

Women chatting over coffee — Coffee Mornings

Friends sharing dinner at a long table — Dinners

Women taking part in a creative workshop — Workshops

For you

How can we help you?

I just moved to Slovenia

Find community, information and opportunities.

I want to meet people

Join events and communities.

I want to contribute

Volunteer or participate in projects.

I represent an organization

Partner with us.

I want to create a project

Let's work together.

Partners

Together, we can create more.

We believe integration works best when communities, organizations, businesses and individuals work together.

Partner organizations

Local businesses

Municipal & institutional partners

Everyone deserves to feel that they belong.

Whether you're new to Slovenia, looking to connect with others, or want to contribute to a more inclusive society — there is a place for you here.

Join the community