The Regional Director for Youth stated in Ponta Delgada that youth volunteering "is capable of making a difference, even in situations when sometimes resources are scarce or not what we want."
 
Lúcio Rodrigues spoke Sunday at the National Council of the Portuguese Guide Association, an event that brought together more than 230 girl guides from different parts of the country. It was supported by the Regional Directorate for Youth.
 
In his speech, Lúcio Rodrigues highlighted the increase in the number of participants in this National Council compared to the last meeting held in the Azores 10 years ago. In this context, he challenged young women to return to the Region, whether in girl guide activities or in a more tourist-oriented perspective.
 
The Regional Director highlighted the projects promoted by the Portuguese Guide Association in terms of girl scout activities insofar as they contribute to "cement the concepts of group work responsibility, solidarity, commitment, autonomy and even democracy."
 
Lúcio Rodrigues drew a parallel between the work carried out by the Portuguese Guide Association and the "work undertaken by the Regional Government, through the Regional Directorate for Youth, in non-formal education by promoting the sharing of experiences with a view to civic participation and qualification, acquisition of skills and entrepreneurship for life."
 
"In the Azores, as far as the Regional Directorate for Youth is concerned, we like to work for young people and alongside young people, involving them in decision-making processes," assured the government official.
 
"In fact, this is a value we share with the Portuguese Guide Association which, together with other youth associations, are key partners in the harmonious development of young Azoreans," said Lúcio Rodrigues.