The Regional Directorate for Youth is promoting the "Youth Volunteering" programme at regional schools in the context of an initiative that has already reached about one thousand youngsters.

By promoting a direct contact with the target audience, this initiative is intended to present the programme from the testimonial of Azorean young volunteers, informing youngsters on the various intervention areas of "Youth Volunteering" and explaining them the functioning of the programme website that allows youngsters and entities to submit their applications online.

This presentation of "Youth Volunteering," which began in September and October, has already travelled to the islands of Terceira, Pico, Faial and Corvo. The programme is being currently presented on São Miguel and it is expected to cover the remaining islands: Graciosa, São Jorge, Flores and Santa Maria.

The initiative is also addressed at public and private non-profit entities with the aim of raising their awareness for the importance of taking part in the programme as promoters of projects that welcome and guide young volunteers.

"Youth Volunteering" is a programme developed by the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorate for Youth, with the following purposes: promote the participation of youngsters in volunteer work; raise the awareness of the community for the importance of voluntary work as a demonstration of civic participation; increase the visibility of young voluntary activities and acknowledge the skills of youngsters.

The programme has the potentiality of being developed in different areas of social, cultural and environmental intervention; it is addressed at youngsters aged between 15 and 30 years, public and private non-profit entities as well as at sponsors, economic agents and other entities from the civil society.