The Regional Director for Communities defended in Horta that immigrants should learn the language spoken in their host societies, considering that this an important and "determining factor" for their full integration in the communities where they reside as well as for their active participation in the development of these communities.

"Taking into consideration this fact, the Government of the Azores has organised Portuguese language courses for all foreign citizens residing on all islands of the archipelago," stressed Paulo Teves. According to him, the seven courses held in 2013 and 2014 on the islands of Faial, São Miguel, Terceira and Flores were attended by "more than 120 immigrants from 25 countries."

Paulo Teves spoke Tuesday at the delivery ceremony of certificates to participants residing on Faial, who have successfully completed the Portuguese Language course in this school year. The government official announced that another three courses will be held on the islands of Pico, Terceira and São Miguel in 2015/2016 in order to meet "the need of immigrants residing on these islands and those of the organisations working with immigrants."

The three courses, which will begin this year, will be attended by 35 participants from Germany, Angola, Belgium, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, China, Colombia, USA, France, Guinea, Italy, Morocco, Nigeria, Poland and Ukraine.

"Given their importance as essential tools for the social and professional integration of immigrants, these courses meet, on the one hand, legal requirements and, on the other hand, strengthen the relation of immigrants with the local community," said Paulo Teves.

In this context, the government official noted the "special relevance" of this certificate awarding ceremony since it took place on the date that marks the Day of Portuguese Language and Culture.

By successfully completing the Portuguese Language course, participants will be awarded a language proficiency level A2 certificate. It allows immigrants to comply with the requirements for acquisition of nationality, permanent residence or the authorisation for long-term residence in regard to the assessment exams of Portuguese Language.

"This daily effort in providing assertive responses to the needs of immigrants, so similar to those of thousands Azorean emigrants, is carried out not only by the Government but also by various institutions, such as those that promoted these courses, and the population in general. This work contributes to promotion of intercultural dialogue in the Autonomous Region of the Azores," said Paulo Teves.

The Portuguese language courses are promoted by the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorates for Communities and Education, and addressed at foreign citizens residing in the archipelago.

The five courses held in the school year 2014/2015 were organised by AIPA - Azores Immigrant Association on the islands of Terceira and Faial, by Cresaçor - Community Centre for Immigrant Support on São Miguel and by Lajes das Flores Town Hall on the island of Flores.

The next three courses will be developed by the Community Centre for Immigrant Support on São Miguel, by AIPA on Terceira and by the "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" of São Roque do Pico.