euskalkultura.eus

The Gure Etxe Maitea’s activities began on February 20 continuing children’s workshops and Basque classes that began last year.  This year, however, everything is taking place in a new room of the clubhouse that has been completely remodeled.   

Olavarria, Argentina.  After ten years of non-activity, the Basque community in Olavarria, in the Province of Buenos Aires, started the Basque club up again in 2010.  It wasn’t an easy task since they had to fight two battles: on the one had they had to recuperate their clubhouse, which had been in the hands of third parties since 2000; and on the other, start to put the institution back together with respect to a group of people willing to work in favor of the Basque culture.  The efforts realized since 201 have given fruit and today, members of Gure Etxe Maitea are satisfied with what has happened so far.

In regards to this year’s plans, they already held the Tango Get-Together, and heavy activity resume don February 20th with Reading and dance workshops for children.  These are activities that were especially thought of for the community, who benefits form the possibility to enjoy an afternoon of activities and the Basque club and share a snack.  Basque classes have also resumed thanks to teacher Elisabet Etchegaray from the Gure Txokoa Basque club in Azul.

“Near the end of last year, we carried out an evaluation, which allowed us to see what great work we had done since recovering our beloved Gure Etxe Maitea, club” club president, Maria Susana Mendizabal explains to EuskalKultura.com.  “Among other things, we were able to remodel the clubhouse and adapt it for various activities; we were recognized by the Basque Government as well as by the DPPJ; last year we were able to teach Basque in Olvarria for the first time.  We were also able to teach cooking classes throughout the year with the help of the Directorate of Instruction, taught by professor Cuello.”

“There were workshops in art, dance, and lectures for all the children in the city, by members Julio Arouxet and Graciela Ramongassie, with the collaboration of Ana Guassone, Andrea Boado, and Guillermo Arnau.  Every Saturday, following the workshop, we provided a snack to participating children.  We were recognized by the municipal authorities, we participated in official events, and we opened the doors of our club, collaborating with the Ministry of Social Action of the Nation, to hold the Micro-Entrepreneurs Fair.  Now, in 2015, we will continue to work on the same goals supporting the presence of and sharing Basque customs, traditions and culture, but above all, with open doors to the entire Olavarria community,” Mendizabal concluded.