The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for Parliamentary Affairs stressed "the importance of promoting platforms for debate and discussion that allow Azorean youth to question and scrutinise the Government's action and work in the area of youth policies."
 
"This scrutiny and pressure on us must result in better ideas and better proposals for the future of the Azores," said Berto Messias, who spoke Monday at the meeting of the Azores Youth Council in Nordeste. This meeting analysed the current situation and the challenges of youth employment in the Region.
 
"The Government is well aware of its obligation, what has to be done and its political project for the Azores in the medium-term. In this context, it is fundamental that young people and their legitimate representatives in this body also become more involved, not only in diagnosing problems but also in pointing out solutions, giving ideas and making the necessary recommendations," said the Regional Secretary.
 
At this meeting of the Youth Council, the Regional Director for Employment and Vocational Training, Paula Andrade, gave a detailed presentation of programmes to support youth employment and plans for the transition to active life.
 
"Integra Jovem," the Professional Integration Programme of "Estagiar L," "Estagiar T" and "Estagiar U" traineeships, "Ideia Jovem Invest" and "Garantia Açores" were some of the initiatives under analysis at this meeting.
 
"The Government of the Azores is carrying out a permanent effort to support youth employability," Berto Messias said, adding that "this issue is not solved by decree; it is a permanent, daily struggle that will continue with increasing commitment and intensity, as evidenced by the presentation made to the advisers."
 
"Knowing that 66% of trainees recruited under "Integra Jovem" and Professional Integration Programme, which covered about 2,900 young people, were hired by companies is a good indicator of the growth of sustainability and stabilisation of youth employment in the Region," said the Regional Secretary.
 
The meeting of the Youth Council was attended by representatives of youth organisations, trade union, young farmers, Private Social Solidarity Institutions, scout organisations, youth associations, the Association of Municipalities and the Academic Association of the University of the Azores.