More than 2500 youngsters will participate in projects developed under the Free Time Occupation Projects - summer 2012 (OTL-J).

The sub-programmes "Holiday Occupation" and "Youth Solidarity" have registered the highest number of applications.

The OTL-J programme, developed by the Regional Directorate for Youth, is part of the youth policies embodied the programme of the Regional Government. This initiative aims to provide youngsters with an innovative way to occupy their free time, contributing to their non-formal education, the acquisition of knowledge, norms and values for the exercise of a responsible citizenship. Furthermore, this initiative also aims to provide social and professional experiences that are decisive for the education of qualified and responsible citizens.

The programmes and projects under the Free Time Occupation Centre represent a total investment over 800 thousand Euros.

In addition, OTL-J is also intended to instil the spirit of initiative of solidarity among youngsters and contribute to the improvement of community life through the organisation of creative, useful and committed activities; develop the taste for the acquisition of knowledge as this aspect is fundamental for the development of youngsters and their self-fulfilment; and promote the useful occupation of youngsters' leisure time with activities developed in the areas of science and technology.

The sub-programmes: "Holiday Occupation"; "Holidays with Culture"; "Environment"; "Science on Holidays"; "Youth Solidarity" and "Active Youngsters" take place during the summer. In turn, the sub-programme "Young Students" is held between the first week of January and the last week of May.