The President of the Government announced today the ongoing works for the construction and redevelopment of another 10 social facilities for infancy and youth, through partnerships the Government is committed to continuing with private institutions in this area.
 
"It is an effort we must continue and the Government is committed to it," Vasco Cordeiro said, after visiting the day nursery "O Girassol," which celebrates its 40th anniversary today. This social facility is operated by the Social Welfare Centre of Santa Cruz das Flores Parish Centre.
 
On the second day of the Government's statutory visit to this island, the President of the Government stated that, as part of this effort, there several ongoing works for the construction and remodelling of social facilities for children and Young people. These investments amounting to 14 million Euros include day nurseries, kindergartens, intergenerational centres and leisure centres on the islands of São Miguel, Faial, Corvo and Terceira.
 
"This is a process that must continue. This process needs to be reinforced on some of our islands, such as the case of São Miguel, with the aim of widening the scope of social infrastructures. Nevertheless, other islands already have considerable coverage rates," assured the government official.
 
During the last legislative term, more than a dozen day nurseries and kindergartens were open under the partnerships signed with Private Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) and the "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" (social institution), which represented an investment of nearly 13 million Euros.
 
After planting trees, accompanied by the children attending the day nursery "O Girassol" to mark the 40 years of the institution, Vasco Cordeiro told journalists that the Region already has about 300 social facilities in the area of infancy and youth, covering almost 12 thousand Azorean children and young people.
 
"This partnership between private institutions and the Government of the Azores not only provides children with the necessary conditions at an early stage of their education but also to help families, through facilities, where they can place their children safely and comfortably during work time," said the President of the Government.