Regional Government invests in Free Time Activity Centres as "tools promoting school success," says Andreia Cardoso
The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated on the island of Pico that the study conducted by the Regional Government on Free Time Activity Centres (CATL) aims to "identify the perspectives of all those involved" in this social response in the "context of promoting development and school success."
Andreia Cardoso spoke at the opening of the Free Time Activity Centre of "Casa do Povo" of Bandeiras (community centre) in the municipality of Madalena at a ceremony chaired by the President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro. On the occasion, she stated that this study will provide a detailed characterisation and knowledge on the situation of Free Time Activity Centres in the Region.
"This study will enable us to issue recommendations for the improvement of this social response in the context of promoting children's development," said the Regional Secretary.
Conducted by researchers from the University of the Azores, the study began this month and will run until the end of the year, covering 10 Free Time Activity Centres on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira.
"We are aware of the importance of these responses in the lives of children, but also their relevance for families in general as far as it facilitates the reconciliation between work and family life. It falls within a far more comprehensive social policy that includes a series of measures aimed at supporting families," said Andreia Cardoso.
The Free Time Activity Centre of "Casa do Povo" of Bandeiras was created following a Regional Government's investment of nearly 61 million Euros for the adaptation of the building and the acquisition of equipment. It created vacancies for 20 children in this village, where social responses in this area were non-existent.
The Secretary for Social Solidarity stated that "the concerns of the Regional Government go far beyond the quality and quantity of the support infrastructures." In fact, these specific responses are intended to "make a difference in the lives of children and young people," and for that reason "we are strongly committed to ensure quality work and services."