For the past three years since its introduction in Gasteiz schools, the Familia Laguna program has been a very positive experience. Developed by collaborators from the Elkarrekin Kooperatiba Txiki in Gipuzkoa, this initiative is a smaller version of the Ongi Etorri Eskolara program, focusing on intercultural family accompaniment. It connects newly arrived families from other countries with local families who have children of similar ages.
The Adsis Foundation manages the project in Araba, and currently, the participating schools are Adurtza ikastola (which will become the Olarizu neighborhood school next academic year), Ramon Bajo eskola, and Arantzabela ikastola.
With families like these, the path towards a more just and diverse Gasteiz will be easier.
Recently, the 2025-2026 academic year concluded with a celebratory event at the Izaskun Arrue Cultural Center. The event featured a performance by Cameroonian storyteller Boniface Ofogo and included several surprises. This year, 26 families from the first two schools participated. Half of these were migrant families from various origins (Senegal, Nigeria, Venezuela, Colombia, Algeria, Morocco, and Haiti), and the other half were families rooted in Gasteiz.
Through the work, meetings, and activities carried out throughout the year, strong relationships have been formed among all participants. These connections hold the potential to serve as a model within the community, both inside and outside the school, thereby contributing to the creation of a more just and diverse city.
After the summer break, the program is set to resume in the schools, aiming to continue its journey with new challenges and new families.
