The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for Parliamentary Affairs presented to the Azores Youth Council the proposals for this sector that are included in the proposed Plan and Budget for 2015, which registers an overall increase of 7% compared to the current allocation.

Isabel Rodrigues stressed that "the Regional Government's strategy for Youth is based on three main guidelines," namely streamlining mobility, developing creativity and promoting youth associations, with special emphasis on the actions that foster civic participation and community intervention."

At the meeting, the Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency announced the implementation of a new programme designed to monitor and support youngsters "who leave their island of residence to pursue their studies and wish to return."

As Isabel Rodrigues revealed, this programme will developed in partnership with the Vice-Presidency of the Government and the Society for the Business Development of the Azores (SDEA).

Isabel Rodrigues also announced the beginning, next year, of the renewal projects of the Youth Hostels on Terceira and São Miguel.
Acknowledging employment as one of the main concerns of Azorean youngsters, the Regional Secretary restated the Government's commitment to this issue, emphasising that the investment plan has a "very strong" component for this sector.

Isabel Rodrigues praised the "keen interest" shown by the members of the Youth Council during the meeting, which she considered to be a very useful space for debate and reflection, and the exchange of different ideas.