The Regional Government will promote five Portuguese Language courses in the school year 2014/2015 for immigrants residing in the Azores, announced the Regional Directorate for Communities.

Speaking in Angra do Heroísmo on Wednesday, Paulo Teves stressed the growing demand for these courses; for that reason, the Regional Government will organise five new courses on several islands, which will be attended by a total of 70 participants from 17 nationalities.

The Regional Director for Communities revealed that two courses will be held on São Miguel, one on Terceira, one on Faial and another on Flores. The government official spoke during the delivery ceremony of certificates to participants residing on the island of Terceira, who have successfully completed the Portuguese Language in this school year.

Paulo Teves stated the organisation of the courses represents an important step towards the integration of the immigrant community in the Azores and promotion of dialogue and interculturalism in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.
The courses were attended by 40 participants from 10 nationalities and were held on the island of Terceira and São Miguel.

These training courses are addressed at immigrants. In this context, Paulo Teves considered that they are essential to a better integration of these citizens in the host communities as well as in the labour market.

Upon the successful completion of the Portuguese Language course, participants will receive 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.

The ceremony was also attended by the Regional Director for Education. She also stressed the results achieved by participants residing on the island of Terceira, which reached a rate of 85 percent.

In her speech, the Regional Director emphasised that the language skills acquired in the course are fundamental to the immigrants' daily interaction with the host community in addition to having a positive impact on their employability and acquisition of nationality.

In this ceremony, the government official also highlighted the importance of immigrant communities to the economic, social and cultural development of the Azores as well as the fact their full integration bring added value to both parties.

The Portuguese Language courses, promoted by the Regional Government through the Regional Directorates for Education and Communities, are targeted at foreign citizens residing in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. Courses are taught after working hours.