The Government of the Azores will reinforce its support to public and private social solidarity institutions developing social support activities in areas ranging from education to solidarity, promotion of environmental quality, maintenance of pedestrian trails and stream cleaning.

The announcement was made by the Regional Director for Employment and Vocational Training, Ilda Baptista, who added that "the inclusion of 150 disadvantaged unemployed in the projects promoted by the Adult Occupational Programme (PROSA)" has already been authorised.

According to Ilda Baptista, the programme will have an initial duration of 12 months that may be extended for another six months upon request of the promoting entities. This initiative is co-funded by the European Social Fund (PRO-EMPREGO).

"The unemployed will receive a monthly allowance equivalent to the minimum wage amount in force in the Region and they will be also covered by the Social Security Employee Scheme," stated the Regional Director.

With this initiative, which represents a global financial effort over 1.3 million Euros, the Regional Government intends to enhance the employability of the unemployed, encourage the development of work habits, provide professional experience to long-term unemployed who wish to return to the labour market and, subsequently, support their social reintegration