The Regional Government, through the Valorizar Network and in partnership with the Ponta Delgada Prison Establishment, is promoting training courses for prisoners. The initiative aims to promote a better integration into society by providing inmates with a necessary tool for a future job search.

About 20% of inmates does not have reading and writing skills. The opening of the first Basic Skills Acquisition (ABC) course in a regional prison establishment this week will provide 15 citizens with basic skills.

The ABC Courses are one of the measures included in the Azorean Agenda for Employment Creation and Business Competitiveness. It was created by the Regional Government with the aim of providing adults who, for various reasons, did not have the opportunity to conclude their education or to acquire more knowledge for the performance of a profession.

Implemented by the Vice-Presidency, the Valorizar Network has certified 8,200 Azoreans since its inception, thus enhancing their employability and professional skills.