The Government of the Azores has created a team of eight school mediators on an experimental basis that will enter into operation in the school year 2014/2015.

According to an order issued by the Regional Secretary for Education and Culture published in the Official Journal today, this team will "implement and develop" a project based on the EPIS methodology - Mediators for School Success in the regional school establishments where mediators carry out their teaching duties.

"With the extension of compulsory education, it is necessary to combat school failure," mentioned the order signed by Avelino Meneses. Moreover, one of the "methodologies to implemented among students at risk will be based on mediation and development of the non-cognitive skills of youngsters."

"Targeted at an intervention for a specific level of schooling, the mediation process not only involves students, but also the family, teachers and the community," stressed the document.

This measure will enter into force the next school year on the island of São Miguel and Terceira. With it, the Government of the Azores is continuing its "fight against school failure" and promoting an "efficient learning in the junior high school level."

The assigned school mediators will work in the basic education schools of Arrifes, Capelas and Rabo de Peixe (São Miguel Island); Praia da Vitória and Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira Island); secondary schools of Laranjeiras and Lagoa (São Miguel Island), and Jerónimo Emiliano de Andrade (Terceira).