The "Valorizar Network" has been distinguished, among several applications, for the results achieved and the innovation of the Courses for the Acquisition of Basic Skills (ABC) with the award delivered under the 2nd “Lifelong Learning" Week at Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon.

Created by the Government of the Azores, through the Vice-Presidency, this measure has allowed the certification of about six thousand Azoreans between 2012 and 2016. It aims to ensure that all residents in the Region, over 18 years, will have an opportunity to complete their basic, secondary and vocational training education.

In this regard, ABC courses are a regional educational response to qualify people who have not completed basic education (4th, 6th and 9th forms).

Delivered by the Secretary of State for Employment, Miguel Cabrita, the award is an initiative promoted by "O Direito de Aprender" association. It aims to promote the knowledge and dissemination of good adult learning practices that prove to be innovative and effective in promoting their participation in the learning process throughout life.

The initiative has established partnerships with the National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education (ANQEP), Employment and Vocational Training Institute (IEFP), INATEL Foundation, National Reading Plan (PNL), APEFA -Portuguese Association of Adult Education and APCEP - Portuguese Association for Culture and Lifelong Education. It has the support of Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

The jury based its decision on the criteria of participation, i.e., the ability to mobilise target audiences, and innovation, through implemented actions or practices.
 
 The applications were also assessed for their impact, i.e., the results achieved and the ability to remain sustainable in the future, contributing to the development of other initiatives from the accumulated experience.