The Youth Free Time Occupation Programme - OTLJ starts Monday its activities. It will be held in the months of July and August and involves the participation of 3,151 young people, i.e., 334 more participants compared to the previous year. The initiative represents a global investment over 440 thousand Euros.
 
As for the overall investment in all sub-programmes of OTLJ 2016, including "Young Students" that ran between the months of January and May, the amount reaches 570 thousand Euros, representing an increase of 12% with regard to the amount invested in 2015.
 
Implemented by the Regional Directorate for Youth, the programme aims to provide young people with a way to occupy their free time, contributing to their non-formal education as well as to the acquisition of knowledge, rules and values for the exercise of a responsible citizenship. Furthermore, participants will have social and professional experiences that will be decisive for the education of skilled and responsible citizens.
 
The OTLJ Programme consists of several sub-programmes designed and organised according to the aspirations and needs of young people.
 
The choices are many and the challenges posed to young people are different according to their age and interests. "Holiday Occupation" and "Youth Solidarity" and are the most sought-after sub-programmes by young people.
 
OTLJ is directed to young people aged between 15 and 24, who are enrolled in the 9th form or who have already completed it.
 
The results of applications to the programme may be consulted at the address http://www.otl.drj.azores.gov.pt.