The Regional Director for Communities has challenged youngsters of Azorean descent to know their roots by actively participating in their communities and promoting a direct contact with the homeland of their ancestors."

While welcoming a group of six youngsters of Azorean descent residing in Quebec, Canada, who are visiting the Azores under the contest "Que Tal Mudarmos o EU pelo NÓS," Paulo Teves stressed the importance of initiatives to promote the knowledge on the History of the Azores and their people, which is closely linked to the migratory phenomenon.

"Celebrating 60 years of Azorean presence in Canada is a source of pride for the Azores and for all the Azoreans," the Regional Director for Communities stressed, adding that "it is also a responsibility towards the future that should be taken by forthcoming generations in a fair tribute to the legacy of the pioneers."

The contest "Que Tal Mudarmos o EU pelo NÓS," organised by the Caisse Portugaise de Montreal - Des Jardins with the support of the Regional Directorate for Communities, consisted of a challenge launched to youngsters of Azorean descent aged between 18 and 30 residing in the province of Montreal. In the context of this challenge, youngsters had to prepare a written work in Portuguese about the 60 years of Azorean emigration to Canada; the six best works were awarded a trip to the Azores.

Winners Diego Moncada-Lacerte, Charlotte Clement, Patrícia Medeiros, Sara Medeiros, Marisa  Castanheira Jones and Myriam Costa will have the opportunity of visiting the islands of São Miguel and Santa Maria from August 17 to 23 under a programme prepared by the Regional Directorate for Communities.

The programme designed for the youngsters of Azorean descent visiting the Azores includes tours and tourist routes as well as visits to observatories and museums that will focus on four different themes: Entre Baleias e Golfinhos (Among Whales and Dolphins); Vulcões & Companhia (Volcanoes & Company); Gentes, Cultura e Tradições Açorianas (Azorean People, Culture and Traditions); and Santa Maria – Roteiro de Piratas e Ilha do Sol (Santa Maria - Pirates' Route and the Sun Island).

By joining this initiative, the Government of the Azores aims to promote the Azorean reality among youngsters of Azorean descent from Canada, either in terms of cultural experiences or in terms of the Region's specificities and potentialities.

In addition to other activities taking place during the current year, this initiative intends to celebrate the 60 years of Azorean emigration to Canada in Montreal as well as to make youngsters acquainted with the history and importance of our communities in that country.