Lea Artibai Ikastetxea, previously known as 'La Laboral', is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a significant benchmark in the region's education and development. The institution has reaffirmed its commitment to the future, aiming to create opportunities and build bridges for all its students.
The center's origins trace back to 1950 with the Parochial School promoted by the Diocese of Bilbao. It was formalized as a Teaching Cooperative Society in 1976, and since then, thousands of individuals have been educated within its walls. Currently, the center hosts an average of 1,600 students annually and has become a vital hub for companies seeking talent.
The cooperative's establishment was spurred by a socioeconomic study from Caja Laboral Popular, which highlighted the precarious economic situation in Lea-Artibai and the need for a collaborative development plan. Beyond initial vocational training, it now offers higher technical and non-technical studies, as well as continuous education.
Thanks to its cooperative nature, the center functions as an active community agent, promoting social inclusion, multiculturalism, accessibility, and the Basque language in its daily operations. At the commemorative event, the Minister of Education, Begoña Pedrosa, and the president of Mondragon Corporation, Pello Rodríguez, emphasized future values and the region's development.
The event also marked the 25th anniversary of the Leartibai Foundation. This foundation has facilitated the creation of over 600 companies and has helped generate 800 jobs and 200 employment pathways. Deputy Ainara Basurko highlighted the center's and the foundation's commitment to the region and their dedication to building the future.
