The President of the Government of the Azores has conveyed his opposition to a revision of the Constitution to annul the current foundations of the education system in Portugal.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the “Colmeia” School, Carlos César considered this new undertaking as “a demonstration of the relevance of the private sector in sharing the initiative and responsibilities in the education system,” a relevance that is ensured by the current constitutional system.
“In order words, when it comes to promoting a constitutional revision which annuls the current foundations of the education system, this does not imply the defence of private school establishments,” alerted Carlos César.
As private schools “are increasing both in number and quality,” Carlos César concluded that “amending or revising the current constitutions would mean the decline of public school as a reference as well as an assurance of universality and access to education.”
Therefore, the President of the Regional Government advocated the need to defend the current model “to ensure the education system as a good reference and to enhance the quality of the private sector in accordance with the general education plans.”
For that reason, added Carlos César, the Regional Government finances investments such as the one the made possible the construction of this new school for 350 students, whose estimated cost of 2.5 million Euros was supported in 1.6 million Euros under the SIDER programme, of which 600 thousand Euros are not refundable.
“And it is important that our local authorities do the same, whether financially or materially,” suggested Carlos César.
The President of the Government took the opportunity to highlight a major improvement in the social and educational network of the Azores, stressing that “there are also reasons to be proud of the public school system.”
Alluding to the effort undertaken by the Government in the sector, Carlos César revealed that “by the end of this year the Government will open six new schools on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Flores.”
The recently announced pilot project to improve educational support was also mentioned by the President of the Government to say that – through this project which aims to involve parents, teachers and the private sector in the future – it is intended to tackle academic failure and provide the population with higher skill levels.