As Xalbador famously said, if the people are the body and the language the heart, it is essential to create the pulses that keep the heart beating. The process of Basque language recovery cannot be understood without the contribution of Aresketa and other ikastolas, which over the decades have fostered not only active and conscious speakers but also citizens dedicated to building a more just, egalitarian, and cooperative society based on shared values.
Much like the dreamers who launched Aresketa in 1977, half a century later, they look with pride at the educational project that has emerged from that initial dream and the pulses generated thanks to the ikastola, which have helped provide beats to the heart that has driven the Basque Country forward. The original dreamers remain convinced that the project initiated in the halls of the Mendiko Lagunak group continues to be necessary.
“"Aresketa is still needed, the movement of ikastolas networked throughout the Basque Country is still needed"
The Council of the Basque Language Community (Euskalgintzaren Kontseilua) has repeatedly stressed that Basque needs a new revival. Current data and the growing opposition from various sectors raise concerns, making it more crucial than ever to create the pulses that will re-energize the heart, from Amurrio to Tudela, and from Balmaseda to Sopuerta. This is precisely why Aresketa and the networked ikastola movement across the Basque Country remain indispensable.
As this year's Araba Euskaraz song states, let us not forget our journey; let us unite our will and courage. Aresketa aims to continue the path started by the dreamers of yesteryear, and on Sunday, we will collectively give momentum to the ikastola's project, reflecting our shared will and courage.
The weekend of (re)awakening is upon us, so let us fill the streets of Pamplona on Saturday and Amurrio on Sunday. May each of us become a pulse that revitalizes the Basque language, the heart of our people.
Paul Bilbao, director of Armentia ikastola.
