Jože Perme from Grosuplje

Nominated by: Dr Zoran Jelenc

The definition of lifelong learning is derived from practice. This is confirmed by the life of Jože Perme. He has educated himself in numerous areas throughout his life. The knowledge he has acquired is very varied. He's added to it over the years, interweaving it with new content. He is also an active pensioner who has received various awards for his efforts.

After completing a carpentry apprenticeship in the 1960s and 1970s, he worked as a carpenter. While working he completed his secondary education at the Secondary Economics School.

At the age of 31 he learned German in afternoon classes. Throughout this period he was also learning at work - as a carpenter, accountant and later company director of finance and accounts, bank director, director of finance and financial service director. He continued his formal education, completing a further education course at the age of 38 at the Faculty of Economics in Ljubljana. After retiring, he took an even bigger step, graduating with an average grade of 9 from the Faculty of Economics in Ljubljana, University Business College. In the same year he also taught himself English, which came in very handy when he travelled to Cuba. In 2007 he also took a level-one intensive course in English.

Mr Perme did not only make progress in his occupational field - accounting and finance - where he kept up to date with regulations and legislation. He was also an active member of the Grosuplje Beekeeping Society. For his efforts he received a level III Anton Janša prize and a level II distinction.

His life's learning path is instructive as to the meaning of lifelong learning - at all stages of life and in various areas. "Everything he has achieved he has done so through successful, continual learning. He was not hindered by time or geographical barriers and his various obligations. Not even his physical disability - he's been blind in one eye since he was 25 - has hindered him," wrote Dr Zoran Jelenc in his nomination for the award.