The premises provided by Zegama Town Hall were officially inaugurated on Tuesday afternoon with a mus tournament organized by the Gazte Herexa association. The space, formerly a nursery, will be shared by the youth association and others in the town according to their needs.
The mus tournament had to be delayed by an hour due to the heat on Tuesday afternoon, finally starting at 7:30 PM, and attracted many young people. Alain Lukasek, a member of Gazte Herexa, explained that they requested the premises from the town hall two years ago. Previously, they used a room in the cultural center, but "we thought that an association like Gazte Herexa, which involves so many young people, would need a larger space," he stated. Currently, the youth association in Zegama brings together about 150 young people between the ages of 15 and 30.
They are pleased with the new premises, even though they will have to share it with other associations. "We have had several meetings with the mayor, council members, and members of other associations to decide on the management of the premises," said Lukasek. This space will not be a youth center in the style of a 'gaztetxe' where people come and go, but rather "we will gather there to carry out specific activities throughout the year," and it will also function as a meeting room and storage.
The preparation of the premises has also been a result of collaboration. It had been unused for some time, and in recent months, cleaning, refurbishment, and organization work has been carried out, primarily between the Gazte Herexa and Karraztarro associations.
Gazte Herexa organizes numerous activities throughout the year, such as the 'Gabon eskea' (Christmas caroling) and trips to cider houses. This year, two buses departed for the Azpeitia festivals, gathering around 70 young people, organized in collaboration with youth from other towns. Furthermore, they have organized a first aid course open to all citizens for the first time, and have participated in events for the Day Against Violence Against Women and LGTBIQ+ Pride Day in collaboration with other associations.
The current organizing team will pass the baton to the next in October, after two years of activity. "We will no longer use this premises much as organizers, but we wanted to leave a space for those who come next so they can work and give this association the necessary boost," concluded Lukasek.
