The Regional Secretary for Education and Culture restated today in Ponta Delgada that in order to promote school success, the Government of the Azores will use all the programmes that "have already been implemented and were successful, within their possibilities."

Avelino Meneses pointed out the reinforcement of the Fénix project, which has already implemented nearly fifty initiatives in the Azores, the EPIS project, through school mediators, as well as the increase of school hour credits and the support to middle school teachers.

"Our purpose is to incorporate an integrated vision that will be reflected in the implementation of a general plan across the archipelago that might coexist with many other pilot experiences," said Avelino Meneses.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the meeting of the Coordinating Council on Regional Education, the Regional Secretary confirmed that a Plan for Promoting School Success is being prepared at various levels; the latter is expected to be launched in the school year 2015/2016.

"We will develop this plan based on a consortium of collaboration and support, using the expertise of the technicians of the Regional Secretariat for Education. Moreover, we will maintain a dialogue with school administrators and teachers across the archipelago as well as with several experts on Education from regional and national universities," added the government official.

In this regard, Avelino Meneses revealed that he has held meetings, together with the Regional Director for Education, with school administrators and teachers working at the 40 school establishments in the Azores, "who demonstrated their availability to take part in this process."

During the meeting with the Coordinating Council on Regional Education, which comprises regional basic education and secondary schools, representatives of unions, students and private school establishments, the Regional Secretary launched a challenge to involve all parties in "the fight against the scourge of school failure."

"It is time to move from whining to action," said Avelino Meneses