Avelino Meneses points out that investment in 2017 is at "the same level" as in the beginning of the previous term
The Regional Secretary for Education and Culture stated in Horta that the planned investment for 2017 in education, culture and sport, marking the beginning of a new term, is "at a similar level" than that registered in 2013, the beginning of the previous term. The government official conveyed his "expectation" that these investment areas will have a "growing evolution in accordance with the implementation of projects."
As for education, the Regional Government will continue the construction programme to complete the school network. The construction of Calheta Basic Education and Secondary School on S. Jorge and Canto da Maia Basic Education School is already ongoing. Moreover, the Government has already launched the tender procedure for the construction of Capelas Basic Education School on S. Miguel, stressed Avelino Meneses.
The Regional Secretary for Education spoke at the end of a hearing at the Committee on Social Affairs of the Legislative Assembly. He also highlighted the "increased awareness" regarding the maintenance and conservation of school buildings and the increase in the allocation of funds under School Welfare; the latter increased over one million Euros in the last two years to "easily respond to the needs of those who actually need it most." Moreover, the Government will continue to reinforce educational projects in order to enable the development of an integrated plan for promoting school success - ProSucesso.
In the area of culture, Avelino Meneses pointed out the construction of a museum unit in each of the islands of the archipelago under the Regional Museum Network and the reinforcement of funds for the promotion of culture and the development of cultural activities.
With regard to sport, Avelino Meneses stated that, although the European Union considers it as a "negative priority," the funds for these investments are allocated from the Regional Budget. This year, there is an increase compared to 2016, which "demonstrates the importance that the Regional Government attaches to sport."
Besides the Judo Hall on S. Jorge and the Santo Espírito Sports Complex on Santa Maria, which are nearing completion, Avelino Meneses mentioned that the main pillars in sport - sport for all and federated sport - registered an increase of funds.