Azorean youngsters should internalise their European citizenship, says Pilar Damião
The Regional Director for Youth said today it is "very important" that Azorean youngsters adopt and internalise their European citizenship.
Speaking at the closing session of the Training Route of the European Programme "Youth in Action," Pilar Damião highlighted the importance of providing Azorean youngsters with "the same opportunities as their European counterparts, through programmes such as "Youth in Action." The government official also stressed that "the funding of projects is based on their quality and relevance, regardless of the geographic location where they will be implemented."
"The 'Youth in Action' programme, whose funds will be doubled under the new Community framework, should be regarded as an opportunity for developing associations and their participants," challenged the Regional Director.
In this context, the government official stressed that this programme "not only intends to promote exchange and mobility in the European space, but also to stimulate participation and debate on topics of interest for youngsters and encourage the participation in the European Voluntary Service (EVS)."
In addition, Pilar Damião stressed the importance of the Youth in Action Route, adding that "the dissemination of the guidelines of the new Community Youth programme, "ERASMUS +," will certainly provide association leaders, active agents in the area of Youth and youth leaders with a better understanding on the programme."
This route, which ended today after travelling to the islands of Terceira, Faial and Pico, aimed to disseminate the "Youth in Action" programme as a useful working tool for youngsters, association leaders and youth animators.
The initiative was also intended to encourage participation and discussion of topics of interest for youngsters, enhance a multiplier effect among similar entities and other potential partners and the exchange of experience and expertise among professionals working in the area of youth. Furthermore, this project aimed to increase the number of participants in sub-actions and inform them about the future Community programme 2014/2020.
Each session also addressed the programmes developed by the Regional Directorate for Youth.