The Government of the Azores is in consonance with the extension of compulsory education to 12 years which was announced by the Prime-Minister. A study which is being carried out in the Region, through a partnership with the University of Coimbra, will provide the necessary data for the planning of the school and sports charter for the Azores.
This consonance has been achieved, because the Regional Secretariat for Education and Training regards the expansion of compulsory education as an improvement of the Azorean youngsters’ training and qualification.
With regard to human resources, the study demonstrates that there are no hiring and infrastructural problems; therefore, there are no constraints, since the construction of modern school buildings for this purpose has begun. Furthermore, there other projects which are still at a design stage.
Nevertheless, the Secretariat recognised that there are some isolated cases in which special attention is required, but they will be promptly resolved.
The Secretariat emphasises that a 12-year mandatory education requires a variety of study opportunities to meet the youngsters’ expectations, as well as their cultural and professional needs.
In this context, the Government will continue to pursue its objectives to promote vocational training.
In conclusion, the Secretariat for Education and Training defends the implementation of a new model to train youngsters, focusing on the development of essential skills at all levels of the current and future society.