The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated today that the Regional Network of Local Development and Social Cohesion Centres acknowledges the importance of the "active participation of communities, people and local institutions in order to make territories "a space for everyone that was created and built by all citizens."

Andreia Cardoso spoke at the presentation of this network in the city of Horta, where she explained the goals underpinning the creation of "the spaces of excellence for mobilising communities" in the identification of the problems of each territory and the resources available, but also in the planning and creation of new responses.

"We believe that these centres should not be limited to a social dimension. In fact, they should take into consideration the economic, cultural, environmental, territorial and cognitive dimensions as well as a locally-based policy for sustainable development. Hence, these centres should establishment partnerships relevant entities in these areas," said the government official.

The Regional Network of Local Development and Social Cohesion Centres consist of territorial units restricted to a village or a group of villages in each municipality or island (in exceptional and duly justified situations). They will include members of local authorities, public services, private social solidarity institutions, individuals, among others.

These centres are primarily aimed at the integration of regional social policies in a community and local intervention logic to promote development and social cohesion as well as the profitability of the resources available.

In this context, Andreia Cardoso called for the mobilisation of all parties involved, recalling that "the assignment of an active role to citizens in the identification of problems and creation of solutions from their specific needs reinforces their participation in public actions and their contribution to the construction of collective goals."

"We do not believe that we can work for people without hearing people," said the Regional Secretary.

The first meetings coordinated by the Social Welfare Services of Faial will be held with several local entities during the month of April in order to jointly begin the implementation process of the network on this island.