The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated in Povoação that the investment made by the Regional Government in the development of its Regional Network of Social Infrastructures provides real alternatives to Azorean families, helping them to reconcile their family and professional lives.

"Regardless of hiring a nanny or enrolling children at a kindergarten, a day nursery, a Free Time Occupation Centre (ATL) or even a combination of these alternatives that fits working hours, all the investment the Regional Government has made in the Regional Network of Social Infrastructures, particularly in the childhood area, has provided real alternatives to families," said Andreia Cardoso.

The Regional Secretary spoke at the opening of the new kindergarten in the village of Furnas in the municipality of Povoação, a 200 thousand-Euro investment fully financed by the PRORURAL Programme. The new kindergarten will have capacity for 33 children.

Speaking at the ceremony, which she presided over on behalf of the President of the Government, Andreia Cardoso stressed that the Government is aware of the "real challenges" of Azorean families, recalling the measure announced in July by Vasco Cordeiro regarding the increase of support to kindergarten fees.

"Families with two children attending a day nursery in the Region will now benefit from a 30 percent discount on fees, while those that have three or more children in these conditions will benefit from a 50 percent discount on fees," said the government official.

Andreia Cardoso assured that the Regional Government will do everything to ensure that Azorean families have the "conditions to make the best choices for their families in an increasingly complex world. And we seek, first and foremost, to ensure the best possible start in life for every child, who represent the strength and the future of our Region.