The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated today that the Government of the Azores annually invests an amount over 55 million Euros to ensure the operation of more than 270 Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS).

"I am never tired of repeating this number. There are more than 270 IPSS and we have signed almost 700 customer-value cooperation contracts with these institutions, representing an investment over 55 million Euros in the provision of these social responses," said Andreia Cardoso.

The Regional Secretary spoke at the opening of the Youth Free Time Occupation Centre, a work that was carried out by "Casa do Povo" of Maia. It was funded by the Azorean Government in the amount of 100 thousand Euros under the PRORURAL programme and will serve twenty young people from this village.

Andreia Cardoso restated the Regional Government's commitment to work with the institutions, stressing that "this is because we rely on our partners, either IPSS or "Santas Casas da Misericórdia" of the Azores, and because we believe that, with them, we will be able to provide a closer response to what the Azorean population really needs."

In her speech, the government official pointed out the favourable conditions for a happy youth are decisive in the harmonious development of young people, stressing the priority status awarded by the Government of the Azores to the area of Childhood and Youth.

In this regard, Andreia Cardoso recalled the "successive increases in the funds granted to this area."

"The work the Regional Government develops with private Social Solidarity Institutions and "Santas Casas da Misericórdia" is not something new; it has been going on for several decades," said Andreia Cardoso. In this regard, the government official reminded that the Regional Government's strategy in the development of social responses in partnership with regional institutions has "defined for many years" and has contributed to the provision of an efficient response to the identified needs.