The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity defended today the importance of organised volunteering, which results from "citizen's spirit of service and willingness" to carry out a certain action. It falls within the "context of a programme organised by a promoting entity with the purpose of developing activities of general interest."

Presenting a paper under Volunteering in the Azores at the closing session of the International congress on Palliative Care in the Azores, held in Ponta Delgada, Piedade Lalanda considered that "volunteering integrated in a social intervention area, dully organised by a technical team, may complement the response provided by an institution. It is asset that may contribute to the quality of service provided to citizens."

"This form of volunteer work may be an opportunity for youngsters to acquire and enhance their skills, representing a significant personal gain that may enhance their employability," stressed the government official.

In her speech, the Secretary for Social Solidarity reminded that the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Social Solidarity, has been working on this matter, either in terms of legislation or in the promotion of local initiatives.

In this regard, the government official mentioned the Government is preparing a computer tool that will "register voluntaries, promoting organisations and voluntary programmes" in order to streamline the coordination between several entities and allow the "dissemination of relevant information" on this subject.
According to Piedade Lalanda, the establishment of a group of voluntaries "to act effectively and efficiently in situations of disaster" is another measures promoted by the Regional Government.

"The Regional Government is fully aware that volunteering is a civic movement, which contributes to the social development and can greatly improve the lives of the Azorean population" said the Regional Secretary. She emphasised that "it is not for the Government to create volunteering programmes, because this is a dynamics that is born out of motivation and civic consciousness, solidarity and responsibility of citizens, who are not indifferent to the difficulties of others." In fact, they should do "everything in their power to assist in the promotion, dissemination and distribution of volunteering."

For Piedade Lalanda, the volunteers integrated into volunteering projects promoted by public or private institutions "play a significant role in different areas of interest for the community." In the context of Private Social Solidarity Institutions, their action may represent "an asset" in the relation between institutions and the surrounding community.

The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity also considered the need "to instil the spirit of volunteering in youngsters" by educating them for the "defence of human rights and the strengthening of the sense of solidarity, cooperation and civic responsibility."

In this regard, she pointed out the example of "Escola mais Voluntária" (Schools engaged in Voluntary Work), a programmed by the Azorean Government involving youngsters, teachers and the communities from several regional schools. The programme's logo will be presented this month.

"Talking about volunteering programmes is to say that the actions of volunteers are defined under the commitment between the volunteer citizens and an institution or organisation where their action is interconnected with that of professionals and technicians, without ever replacing them," said the government official.

"We want a fairer and cohesive region; a region that stands for equality and solidarity. Therefore, we have not given up on youngsters. We have promoted the creation of a platform that allows them to become acquainted with the reality of volunteers and of those willing to engage in volunteering," stated the Regional Secretary. The government official assured that the Government will continue to "encourage volunteering and diversify the areas in which volunteers carry out their activities, taking into account the specificities of our Region."