Nestled in Oiartzun, Spain, the Asociación de cooperación al desarrollo ABARKA, or ABARKA ONGD, stands as a dedicated force for community service. Born from a commitment to identify and resolve societal challenges, ABARKA employs a dynamic blend of formal and informal educational activities to achieve its goals. It serves as a vibrant hub, bringing together a diverse coalition of trainers, youth, social workers, policy makers, experts, and volunteers, fostering connections both within Spain and across international borders.
At its heart, ABARKA’s mission is to meaningfully enhance the quality of life across different nations, always mindful of the unique nuances of international environments and local cultures. This mission unfolds through several key aims. The organization actively works on Cooperation for Development, channeling efforts and funds into initiatives that uplift education, health, sanitation, food security, entrepreneurship, and comprehensive training, particularly for women and children in Africa. Simultaneously, its Humanitarian Action branch focuses on igniting citizen participation, promoting rich cultural exchanges, and strengthening the spirit of volunteerism within and beyond Spain’s borders. ABARKA also champions Integration and Sustainability, offering guidance to local authorities on development cooperation and actively promoting the social and professional integration of immigrants and other socially excluded groups within the Basque Country (Euskadi).
Locally, ABARKA empowers youth through initiatives centered on active citizenship, intercultural learning, and community engagement, while also striving for equal opportunities in education and employment for marginalized groups. On the international stage, it advocates for lifelong learning and volunteering, connects youth with global educational and cultural programs, and actively fosters intercultural dialogue through platforms like Erasmus+. Since 2011, its impact has reached Cameroon, where over ten micro-projects, fueled by international and local volunteers, have focused on enhancing IT skills, promoting health education, facilitating cultural exchanges, and encouraging youth entrepreneurship.
In Spain, ABARKA’s activities range from raising awareness among teenagers and supporting youth-led fundraising for Africa, to advising public bodies on immigrant integration and conducting vital training sessions. Through workshops, seminars, research, and collaborations, ABARKA ONGD continuously works to build bridges, foster understanding, and empower individuals from childhood to adulthood (ages 4-60) across diverse cultural and social backgrounds, striving towards a more engaged, inclusive, and cooperative global community.