Hazi, a space for academic support and work-life balance for families

The Bilbao Office has launched the Hazi Project for Academic Support and Child Care for the 2026–2027 school year, an initiative aimed at children from families participating in the various Itaka-Escolapios projects. Its goal is to provide a safe environment for support and learning, while facilitating work-life balance and helping to improve opportunities for the inclusion of these families.

The project operates in two complementary areas: academic support and child care. Both services are offered Monday through Thursday, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in spaces designed to meet the needs of children.

On the one hand, the academic support program provides educational guidance to children, who can do their homework, receive help with school subjects where needed, read, improve their Spanish and/or Basque, and participate in various recreational and leisure activities alongside other children. This support is especially important for families who find it difficult to assist their children with schoolwork, and it helps ensure that all children have greater opportunities to develop their abilities.

In addition, the childcare service addresses families’ need for work-life balance, particularly for those with limited family or social support, or who are in situations of greater vulnerability. In this way, parents can continue their training, advance in their job search, or attend to other personal needs, while their children remain in a safe environment tailored to their needs.

In addition to regular care, Hazi has a network of volunteers who can support families at other times, whether for one-time needs or recurring situations. This means they can receive help attending appointments, taking exams, or participating in training activities, among other circumstances that require alternative childcare.

The Hazi project began the school year with 18 children and about 30 volunteers with diverse backgrounds who contribute throughout the week.