The Regional Director for Communities challenged in Ponta Delgada young people of the Diaspora to show the world what the Azores are currently.
 
Paulo Teves spoke at the opening of a training for young people from the Azorean Diaspora, which takes place this week on the island of São Miguel. In this regard, he stressed that there are new areas to discover and explore beyond the cultural aspect, such as the case of economic, educational and tourism components, so that we may have "more Azores in the communities."
 
"We are at a stage where we have integrated associative movements, which have worked hard for the benefit of Azorean migrants; however, it is necessary to take a step forward," said the Regional Director. He considered that "the step will be taken by young people," who must assume a role in "disseminating the Azores of today and their various opportunities."
 
"It is important to maintain our presence in associations as they give continuity to our identity," said Paulo Teves. In this context, the government official defended it is necessary to "do more," namely disseminating the Azores among those who, not having been born in the Region, share the same geographical space of the communities in the Diaspora.
 
In his speech, the Regional Director emphasised that the Azores are "a modern region with great social and cultural infrastructures that invests in new technologies and has a favourable context for investment opportunities in a wide range of areas," stressing that this knowledge should be passed on during the course.
 
On the occasion, Paulo Teves stated that, when the course ends, young participants will be better prepared to make the commitment to disseminate the Azores insofar as the Region "counts on young people to be part of the development process" of the archipelago.
 
"The greater your involvement, the greater your commitment and dedication, the greater our presence in the world and the recognition of our community in these societies," said the government official.
 
In addition to the theoretical sessions, participants will have the opportunity to visit various institutions and companies on São Miguel Island, including the Museum of Azorean Emigration, Arquipélago - Contemporary Arts Centre, NONAGON - Science and Technology Park, where a videoconference will be held with the Immigrant Assistence Center, COFACO, Furnas Monitoring and Research Centre and Gorreana Tea Factory.
 
The course is aimed at young people of Azorean descent from the USA, aged between 25 and 35. It aims to raise awareness for today's reality in the Region, encouraging them to promote and disseminate the potential of the Azores. Furthermore, the initiative also provides them with a space for sharing experiences and dialoguing on the important influence and role they play in their communities.