The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for Parliamentary Affairs stressed today the indispensable role of youth "in the development of the Region" and their importance of youngsters as a "major asset" for the future of the Azores.

Isabel Rodrigues spoke on the sidelines of a visit to the Belo Jardim Training Centre, with which she celebrated the International Day of Youth. The government official stressed the role played by regional youth associations as institutions that "defend the interests of youngsters and encourage their initiatives."

"This visit aims to demonstrate the importance the Regional Government attaches to youth and its associations as well as to reiterate our profound commitment, interest and willingness to work with youngsters," stressed the Regional Secretary.  

Isabel Rodrigues made a "very positive" assessment of the Belo Jardim Training Centre, which opened a year ago. The government official pointed out that this type of infrastructure "is a good example of how we can enhance our potentialities and continue working to promote the development of youngsters and the development of the Region."

The Belo Jardim Training Centre, run by the Alerta Association - National Scouts Centre - is a hub of activities targeted at youngsters and also serves as a hostel to youth associations in the Azores.

This space is the result of a EU co-financed investment over 1.6 million Euros that was carried out by the Azorean Government in partnership with Praia da Vitória City Hall.

The Alerta Association is one of the 134 associations listed in the Azorean Register of the Incentive Scheme for Youth Associations.