The Regional Director for Communities highlighted in San José, California, the work developed by POSSO - Portuguese Organization for Social Services and Opportunities in the "intergenerational relation between Azorean emigrants and their descendants."
 
"We recognise the merit of this mission in sharing the identity values of all those who left our islands with the new generations so that they can be proud, not only of your migratory journey in a completely different society but also of your dedication to keep alive this dynamics and 'Azoreanity' in the world," said Paulo Teves.
 
The Regional Director spoke Tuesday during a visit to this institution, where he met with senior emigrants seniors. He stressed "the importance of the mission carried out by POSSO in the context of mutual aid and solidarity; the latter being genuine Azorean values that are put at the service of community."
 
POSSO is a social non-profit organisation that is part of the International Network of Social Intervention Organisations. It aims to provide opportunities and improve the quality of life of the Portuguese-speaking community in San José by organising social, recreational, cultural and educational activities.
 
In the context of his visit to the Azorean communities in California, Paulo Teves also visited the University of California - Berkeley, where he met with students attending Portuguese courses. Moreover, he also met with the administration board and the teaching staff.
 
At the end of the day, Paulo Teves met with the board of the Portuguese Athletic Club, where he reiterated the Government's commitment to "meet the needs" of the emigrant communities, towards their full integration and the promotion of Azorean culture.
 
"The set of activities to be held this year will strengthen, once again, the Region's relation with the Diaspora and promote the Azores of today among young people," said the government official.
 
The Regional Director for Communities travels today to Canada, where he will visit the Azorean communities residing in the province of British Columbia, especially in Surrey and Kitimat.