Slovakia Today, English Language Current Affairs Programme from Slovak Radio

Last week we introduced you to VOGUE style. Today, find out what the VOGUE scene looks like in Europe and where the biggest communities are. We'll also bring you the vibe from BALL OF SHAME in Bratislava and Marianna Palková took part in Monika Prikkelova's vogue for beginners class.

RERUN: Listener's Tribune celebrating World Radio Day.

Children could try dog sledding on Saturday, February 12th in Tatranská Lomnica at the event Snow Dogs. For all visitors there were prepared demonstrations of rescuing people by avalanche dogs of the Mountain Rescue Service. The Mountain Rescue Service has a new base station in the Žiarská valley in the Western Tatras. What is VOGUE dance and how is it perceived by people in Slovakia? The answers will be revealed by the founder of this style in Slovakia - Monika Prikkelová.

On the Wednesday edition we will discuss the 30 years of Slovak-British diplomatic connection. That is also the topic of a new book released this month by foreign policy analyst Pavol Demeš. Later on the show we hear a heart-warming story about a Slovak-Canadian philanthropist, who has dedicated part of his last will to Slovak education system. Louis John Gazdarica, left part of his estate to young people in the region his parents immigrated to Canada from.

Dano Salontay from Longital sits down with Ben Pascoe on Valentines day to discuss among many topics love for music.

On the occasion of the World Radio Day, UNESCO has issued its statement naming independent radio "a pillar for conflict prevention and peacebuilding". Slovakia is neighbouring Ukraine, a country in a war conflict. Slovak Parliament has passed an amendment scrapping license fees as part of public media Radio and Television Slovakia, RTVS, funding leaving it being fully financed from the state budget. The new law should come in power as of July. How to keep independence and thus peace through public media being financed from the state budget by law? And how important is public radio broadcast in a war conflict when public media in many countries serve as war propaganda tool?

Marcel Milo shared his expert experience with marketing on social media and provided his perspective on politicians’ communication. The interview reflects on the recent referendum held in Slovakia as well as on the Czech presidential elections.

On the occasion of Hviezdoslav's anniversary, we re-introduce the "greatest" of Slovak poets to English speaking audience. Marking 30 years of Slovak membership in UNESCO, English speakers will learn not only about the local items inlisted in its World Heritage List.

On the Wednesday show we will rerun the first round of the new RSI competition dedicated to 30 years of Slovakia. In the first round we speak about 30 year old Slovaks. That is also the theme of our upcoming series dedicated to the Peers of the Republic. The first interesting peer of Slovakia that we will speak to is Kristián Dufinec - singer, musician and dancer, originally from the eastern Slovak town of Michalovce. For 10 years he danced in Lúčnica national folk ballet, today he leads the band Iconito, which also draws on folk music. Recently they have released a multi-genre project called the Roots. In a few days, they will perform for the Slovak community in Chicago.

Alexandra Osteragova from Center for Education Analysis sits down with Ben Pascoe to discuss the situation in education in Slovakia.