The Regional Government has begun a partnership with the Government of Madeira in the area of youth volunteering, announced today the Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for Parliamentary Affairs.
 
Berto Messias pointed out that the programme established between both Autonomous Regions is the result of "a joint effort with the aim of creating opportunities for young people to participate in various civic intervention actions that contribute to their formation."
 
"Thus, it will become part of the "Youth Volunteering - You Make a Difference" project, through the online platform. This is a specific area for volunteer projects between the Azores and Madeira," said Berto Messias.
 
According to the government official, "this multifaceted project promotes learning and the acquisition of skills that are crucial to the growth of young people in the Azores and Madeira, who have the option of doing volunteer work in a region different from their own."
 
Berto Messias stated that this programme is aimed at young people living in both regions between the ages of 18 and 30, adding that the Government will "ensure the payment of travel and accommodation expenses and award a monthly scholarship."
 
"Projects may have a length of one or two months and take place between April and November," added the government official.
 
Berto Messias emphasised the "important role played by youth associations or similar associations enrolled in the Azorean Registry of Youth Associations, university student associations and other public and private entities. They are responsible for welcoming and integrating these young volunteers, thereby strengthening the ties between both regions.
 
"The similarities of living in an Outermost Region with common difficulties and qualities leads to the need of finding joint responses that provide opportunities to promote multiculturalism and youth mobility. In this context, we have decided to move forward with this programme together with the Autonomous Region of Madeira," stated Berto Messias.
 
Registrations for the "Young Volunteer Academy" should be made all year round at the electronic address https://voluntariadojovem.azores.gov.pt/.