The President of the Government announced the creation of a programme to provide training for informal caregivers, which will be taught by experts in various fields. It is primarily intended to "help those who help" dependent people.
 
"In the near future, we will start a training programme for informal caregivers that will first start on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Faial and Pico. It covers of several modules to be taught by expert in each area, such as rehabilitation nurses, social workers and psychologists, among others," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
The President of the Government spoke at the presentation of the construction project of the Intergenerational Centre in Arrifes on São Miguel Island. This 2.5 million-Euro investment comprises the Day Centre, Night Centre and Activity Centre, each with capacity for 30 users.
 
This project is the result of a partnership with "Casa do Povo" of Arrifes in the municipality of Ponta Delgada. The opening notice of the tender for the selection of the company that will build the Intergenerational Centre was published.
 
In his speech, Vasco Cordeiro said the training programme will be extended, free of charge, to the workers of institutions rendering Home Support Services. By the end of the year, these institutions will be provided with human resources that will be better qualified to perform their duties.
 
"We want to help those who help so that they can help better and better," ensured the President of the Government. He emphasised the Regional Government's commitment in infrastructures for childhood and youth and the elderly, which contribute to the strengthening of intergenerational cohesion in the Azores.
 
"For example, since the end of 2012, when this term began, we have already provide 14 infrastructure specifically directed to children on the islands of São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, Faial, Pico and São Jorge, a public investment amounting to nearly 14 million Euros," said the President of the Government.
 
Vasco Cordeiro added that, currently, the construction or rehabilitation works of five day nurseries and two kindergartens are ongoing on São Miguel, Faial and Corvo, an overall investment of around 6.5 million Euros. In addition, the construction of the first phase of the Intergenerational Centre of Ponta Garça is about to start soon in the municipality of Vila Franca do Campo.
 
On Grandparents Day, the President of the Government stressed, however, that the Intergenerational Centre of Arrifes will create the conditions so that "youngsters may benefit from the contact and the teachings of those who are at a later stage of their lives."
 
"Hence, we will also comply with the goal of strengthening intergenerational cohesion in our Region", said Vasco Cordeiro.