The City Council of Irun has launched the Mintzalaguna initiative for relaxed and comfortable group conversations in Euskera. Although sessions will start in October, registration is already open and will continue until the end of the academic year, i.e., until June. This program is free and offers several ways to participate: through a questionnaire on the municipal website, by scanning QR codes on flyers or posters, or by calling the phone number 688 865 398.
The only requirements to participate are being of legal age and demonstrating a minimum level of Euskera proficiency. Participants will be divided into two roles: travelers, those who do not habitually speak Euskera and wish to practice it, and companions, who know the language. Organizers will form groups of four to six people, considering their Euskera level, hobbies, and schedules.
Generally, groups will meet at least once a week for an hour to converse, from Monday to Saturday, both in the morning and afternoon. Organizers strive to create groups suitable for each participant's schedule and Euskera level. Following last year's experience, they moved away from noisy bars to more comfortable spaces like Irun Factory and CBA, although the latter's availability is uncertain this year, according to Josu Iguiñiz, Euskera representative.
Mertxe Gerriko, the program's facilitator, highlighted that some groups continue to meet outside the academic year due to the enjoyment and friendships formed. She also praised the work of the companions, who volunteer their time and are essential to the project.
As a new feature this year, Gerriko announced plans to create special groups focused on hobbies such as reading or crochet, believing that activities they enjoy are more engaging when done in Euskera. Additionally, complementary activities like mountain hikes, guided tours, and a visit to the Durangoko Azoka will be organized to meet new people and encourage the habit of using Euskera outside the weekly group.
The Mintzalaguna program had a hiatus, and last December the Euskera Service took charge of it. Thanks to efforts to encourage citizen participation, the number of participants grew from 25 to 120 people in the last edition, forming 21 groups. Youth participation was particularly notable.
The challenge for the upcoming edition is to recruit more companions and attract new participants. It was mentioned that some individuals hesitate to join due to concerns about their language level, but the key is to try, as people feel comfortable and progress once they find a suitable group.
Josu Iguiñiz emphasized that the Mintzalaguna program is an excellent dynamic for promoting the use of Euskera, especially for those who do not come from a Euskera-speaking environment. Some of the volunteer companions have noted the creation of enriching relationships and strong bonds, highlighting the effectiveness of the complementary activities.
