The Regional Secretary for Education and Culture stated today that, "although many, we are always few" in the goal of promoting school success, stressing the effort that the entire school community has been undertaking in "unity" and with "positive results," through the ProSucesso-Azores for Education programme. 

Avelino Meneses spoke at Armando Cortes Rodrigues Basic Education and Secondary School in Vila Franca do Campo during the delivery of the "Child Friendly School" seal, a ceremony he presided over on behalf of the President of the Government.

"In this relentless fight against school failure, it is a cause for satisfaction" that 30 public schools and two private schools from four islands of the archipelago have been distinguished in evaluation projects, stressed the Secretary for Education. 

"At this time of compulsory education, it is necessary to search for, discover and apply new methods" to promote "enthusiasm among students," a condition he considered fundamental for "greater individual and collective commitment." 

For the Regional Secretary, the "Child Friendly School" project, under the responsibility of the National Confederation of Parents' Associations, Leya and psychologist Eduardo Sá, pursues precisely this goal by distinguishing schools that "develop and implement extraordinary ideas that contribute to a happier development of children in school context." 

Alluding to the prize won by the Armando Cortes Rodrigues School in the Citizenship and or Inclusion category with the "Philosophies" project, Avelino Meneses highlighted the partnership established between this school and the University of the Azores "on the basis of a fruitful development of cooperation." 

"We should bear in mind that there are many rankings and that, regarding the respect for the different abilities of each student, we are clearly at the forefront," said Avelino Meneses.