The Regional Director for Education highlighted today the importance of the recent launch of the Regional Network of School Libraries in the context of the Regional Government's "commitment" to the promotion of school success. This strategy has become "more structured" with the implementation of ProSucesso in all schools of the regional education system in the current school year.

Fabíola Cardoso spoke in Vila Franca do Campo at the presentation of the project "Newton Liked to Read!" In this regard, the government official pointed out that this initiative and the so-called "Together We Can All Read', presented in Ponta Delgada about two weeks, "call for the involvement of school libraries and their coordinators" to one of the priority areas of ProSucesso, which is "the development of reading literacy."

According to the Regional Director, the project presented today, which was designed by the Living Science Centre Factory of University of Aveiro, "is also focused on scientific literacy," promoting the reading of science books, scientific and technological culture, and "education moments based on experimentation."

If we are able to instil the "taste" for science and technology, innovation and creativity, which also encourages the autonomy and entrepreneurial spirit of our students, “we will establish a solid foundation for a generation of more skilled young Azoreans, who will provide their contribution to the development of the Region," said Fabíola Cardoso.

On the other hand, this project has provided "a very important opportunity" for the teachers involved in its implementation in the Azores by making them acquainted "with the techniques of experimental teaching," added the government official.

According to Fabíola Cardoso, one of the goals of the Regional Directorate for Education is precisely to "provide schools and teachers with quality training, projects and new experiences that will offer joint work and professional development opportunities."

"With the competence, commitment and responsibility of our teachers, we believe that this training course and projects like "Newton Liked to Read" will bear fruit in terms of the quality of learning as well as in terms of their taste for knowledge, reading and school," said the Regional Director.

The task, added the Regional Director, "is arduous and we will not have instant victory." Nevertheless, she conveyed her belief that "together we will be able to accomplish the goals we have set for ourselves, if we believe that it is possible to open new ways when change is necessary and build partnerships and true learning communities."

This school year, project "Newton Liked to Read!' will involve about 685 students, which represents 34 classes in the 4th, 5th and 7th forms from Domingos Rebelo Secondary School (Ponta Delgada) and Água de Pau, Ponta Garça and Ribeira Grande Basic Education Schools.

This initiative consists of themed kits that will belong to the school libraries of participating school establishments. The main patrons of the project are the following entities: Fábrica de Tabaco Estrela, EDA, Ponte Norte Associations, Lagoa City Hall and Vila Franca do Campo Town Hall. Moreover, it is supported by the supervisors of Expolab and the Regional Directorate for Science and Technology.