The Regional Director for Youth, Pilar Damião, revealed today in Ponta Delgada the Government's interest in supporting initiatives that intend to promote the internationalisation of Azorean projects.

According to Pilar Damião, this interest falls within "one of the strategic goals set by the Regional Government and the Regional Directorate for Youth: the attraction of Community funds and the creation of networks between associations, projects, methodologies and knowledge."

Speaking at the press conference of YEP Açores, Pilar Damião added that, apart from promoting a greater proximity and reciprocity between Azores and European associations, these initiatives contribute to a privileged exchange of intercultural experiences and develop a greater sense for European citizenship."

YEP Açores - Youth European for Progress, which specialises in European funding consultancy, saw the approval of a project in February. This initiative is developed by the Burra de Milho Cultural Association and will be implemented on the island of Terceira.

The project, titled as "As Indústrias Culturais Criativas" (Cultural and Creative Industries), aims to explore the potential of these industries as well as their role in the creation of jobs and promotion of creativity and initiatives among youngsters.

According to Pilar Damião, the Regional Directorate for Youth has sought to promote the development of this type of projects, thus sharing the same goal of YEP AÇORES in the effort of encouraging the internationalisation of projects promoted by youngsters and for youngsters.

The Regional Director for Youth congratulated YEP Azores for its capacity of raising Community funds to the Region, in general, and to youth organisations in particular.

"In addition to ensuring the sustainability of Azorean entities  with the internalisation of the projects already developed by them locally, YEP has promoted youth participation in European projects with their know-how, its networks and partnerships," stated the Regional Director.

Established in December 2012, YEP AZORES has already submitted 11 applications for projects developed by Azorean entities; the Burra de Milho Association was the first beneficiary of this initiative.