Carlos César considers that the financial restructuring policies and the management of public finances should always take into account that "social policies are always highly advantageous in economic, financial and strategic terms."

The President of the Government states that "cutting social support generates other expenses and other insufficiencies that will be later detrimental to public finances in addition to creating other needs with adverse consequences for individuals and the society."
 
The idea was defended today at the opening of the Free Time Occupation Centre (ATL) and the Day Nursery of the private social solidarity institution - Kairós in Fajã de Baixo. They represent an investment of about 2.5 million Euros that will improve the support to an increased number of children. This another effective response provided by Kairós in order to meet the needs of some social environments as well as to help several families in the municipality of Ponta Delgada.

Carlos César praised, once again, this institution "for its ability to take action in diverse contexts and the support provided to the social integration of children and youngsters with significant problems in this area, which has evidenced positive results." Its action comprises people of various ages and several special needs and this shared effort which is undertaken by Kairós and other institutions in partnership with the Regional Government is a "true source of pride for the Azores." There are 686 social equipments in the Azores which involved a governmental support that reached 75 million Euros last year. This sector covers over 30,000 people and has created more than 4000 jobs.

Regarding the support to childhood and youth, the Azores register a coverage rate of 26%. In the case of the municipality of Ponta Delgada, it registers 30% but, with the infrastructures opened today and with day nurseries to be built soon, the coverage rate should increase to 33%, which corresponds to the rate recommended by the Barcelona European Council as compatible with a good coverage and social support rates.

Later this year, the Regional Government will start the construction of another five day nurseries, a kindergarten and two ATL (Free Time Occupation) centres that will cover more than 500 children in the Azores.