We have created a programme of rest and leisure retreats for marginalised groups in our region: people suffering long-term illnesses, prisoners, addicts, homeless people, people with disabilities, etc. These organisations spend a few days enjoying a varied programme of activities in Arantzazu.

Baketik has developed a pilot project of residentials that are educational, restful, and relaxing for people and organisations living in situations of disadvantage. The starting point for this initiative is solidarity, or the need to share, which are one and the same.

The project is entitled Dohain. It comes from don, meaning both gift and freely. We all find ourselves in the situation in which we find ourselves, and every individual is a gift of life, an end in themselves, possessing human dignity and deserving of respect. Solidarity needs to be given freely, if not, it represents something else. The philosophy that sustains this project is that of giving freely. We want to recognise the gift and dignity of people living in situations of disadvantage. We want to give them the gift of a time of enjoyment, rest and tranquillity, which they deserve and which may be in need of.

The project has consisted in the organisation of a series of three-day residentials in Arantzazu’s Retreat Centre, Asis Topagunea, during April and May 2008 and 2009, for people and groups in situations of difficulty. 

The objective is to take full advantage of the resources and strengths offered by Arantzazu and its surroundings, in order to offer people and individuals in situations of disadvantage an enjoyable stay and a constructive programme that combines educational and leisure activities which enrich the participants as people and strengthen them as they face the challenges of their everyday lives.