BEGOÑAZPI IKASTOLA

History

Ikastolas in Euskadi

The ikastolas’ movement was founded, held out and endured thanks to many euskaltzales with good will. At first they arose automatically, without much coordination. However, thanks to the solidarity of many groups of organizers, they established themselves and gathered strength.

In the year 1965, there were 29 ikastolas in Euskal Herria. In 1970, there were 103 and in 1980, this figure was that of 242.

In Bizkaia’s unique case, the schools’ first steps go back to 1896. Resurrección María de Azkue founded what was to be named Ikastetxe and later on, various schools emerged between 1908 and 1914 in Bilbao.

Yet to be able to comprehend the beginning and latter development of the Ikastolas’ movement, it is of essence to stress the Basque Church’s shaping and defence of some characteristic socio-cultural ideals. This way, the idea that ikastolas should be entirely Basque with the characteristic that they also be Christian was established.

Begoñazpi Ikastola represents a clear example of the coming about of an educational institution which has the unique above-cited characteristics. Begoñazpi has led its way one step at a time, without any hurry yet at a good stride until reaching its present situation. Our school system is based on a concrete way of thinking and living yet with great respect for others’: teaching in Basque based on the Christian faith yet also maintaining our dialect, Bizkaeraz, at all times takes precedence.

Ikastolas as a whole and particularly Begoñazpi had to take their first steps in secrecy as back then, the law only acknowledged the Spanish language. This way, thanks to coexistence and the protection of the church, the very first ikastolas were set forth.