The Regional Director for Communities starts Friday a visit to the US state of California and the Canadian province of British Columbia, where, in addition to meeting with local institutions and the Azorean community, he will take part in the 40th Conference of the Luso American Education Foundation - LAEF and the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Radio Television Artesia.
 
This visit aims to follow up the close relation between the Government of the Azores and the Diaspora communities, strengthening the relation between the Regional Directorate for Communities and the entities and communities based in California and British Columbia.
 
On the first day of this trip, Paulo Teves participates in the opening session of the 40th Conference of LAEF, which takes place at San Diego State University on March 11 and 12. It will address the theme "New Routes for the Portuguese Language and Communities."
 
Founded in 1963, LAEF aims to promote the Portuguese language and culture in the USA, through the organisation of activities and the awarding of scholarship to students enrolled in higher education.
 
On Monday, March 14, the Regional Director for Communities travels to the city of Turlock. We will visit the California State University - Stanislaus, where he will also meet with students attending Portuguese courses.
 
On the same day, Paulo Teves meets with the social organisation VALER - Valley Area Living Enabling Resources and the board of the House of the Azores of Hilmar. In addition, he will also participate in a meeting with the Azorean community of this US city.
 
On the following day, the Regional Director visits in San José POSSO - Portuguese Organization for Social Services and Opportunities and the California State University - Berkeley, where he will meet with the administration, teachers and students attending Portuguese courses. Moreover, he will attend a meeting with the Azorean community at the Portuguese Athletic Club of San José.
 
On Wednesday, Paulo Teves travels to Surrey, Canada, where he will meet with the Association of Pico's Friends
 
While visiting the Canadian province of British Columbia, the Regional Director for Communities meets on March 17 with the Mayor of Kitimat and has a scheduled meeting with Azorean community residing in Kitimat and Terrace at the Luso Canadian Association.
 
On March 19, Paulo Teves returns to the USA to participate in the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Radio Television Artesia, a media organisation with programming in Portuguese that serves the Portuguese communities in the city of Artesia and the surrounding area.