euskalkultura.eus

Najera, Spain. The town of Najera in Rioja, bordering the Basque Country (historically, Najera was part of the Kingdom of Navarre, but nowadays is part of the Spanish region of Rioja, bordering the Basque area known as Arabar Errioxa or Rioja Alavesa) will once again have Basque classes, as reported to EuskalKultura.com, and the number of interested persons may easily exceed the 20 that participated last year.  “In Najera we are very close to the Basque Rioja region, and there has always been a lot of exchange and curiosity about the Basque culture and language.  Now that things are settling down, it is easier to organize these kinds of activities, and it is good to see it as a normal occurrence,” said Guzman Arenzana, one of the supporters of the course. 

Last year a group of the valley residents got together to organize a Basque class and the response was very positive.  Arenzana got in touch with the Laminiturri Basque club, in Logroño, and with their help found a teacher, Iñaki, who was in charge of this first course.  “We used the Bakarka method and started from there,” Maite Garai, one of the students from Elgoibar, said.  The classes took place at the Rey Don Garcia Institute. 

The profile of the student in first year was varied, from 16- 60 years old, some were Basque, and others from the Rioja but interested in the Basque culture.  Students came from different parts of the valley, according to Arenzana, and there was clear interest in the course. 

This year, seeing the interest, Laminiturri secured the help of HABE and the course will now be part of the “Euskara Munduan” program.  The institution has already received class materials, and, they will provide not only economic support, but also support for the teacher.  The club is now looking for a teacher for this course, and a place where to hold classes and organize other activities such as social and cultural get-togethers. 

To enroll, email: naiara@laminiturri.org. 

Laminiturri will also offer classes in Logroño.  Enrollment is open until September 19^th.  You can contact them by phone here: 945 60 10 87 or via email: naiara@laminiturri.org. 

For more information: here.