The Regional Secretary for Education, Science and Culture confirmed on Friday that junior school students attending Francisco Ornelas da Câmara and Angra do Heroísmo Basic Education School will be transferred to Vitorino Nemésio Secondary School and Jerónimo Emiliano de Andrade Secondary School, respectively.

Speaking in Angra do Heroísmo at the end of a hearing with the Committee on Social Affairs of the Regional Legislative Assembly, Luiz Fagundes Duarte stressed there is "nothing that justifies" the attendance of junior high school students at school establishments that do not provide the adequate educational offer, which is contrary to "the good practices" implemented throughout the archipelago.

With this transfer, which will be carried out in phases in the case of Praia da Vitória, it is intended that these students be taught by teachers who are better suited to their educational level."

The Regional Secretary pointed out that in all Azorean cities and villages, with the exception of Terceira, it has been always considered that basic education schools should have a teaching staff for elementary and middle school levels while secondary schools should have a teaching staff for junior high school and secondary school levels."

In the case of Terceira, particularly in Praia da Vitória, there are two schools located a few hundred metres apart from each that are covering the same teaching levels.

For Luiz Fagundes Duarte, the proper "management of human resources and equipment" also recommends the integration of these students in secondary schools. This situation will not lead to an increase in the number of students per class or to the dismissal of teachers.

At this parliamentary hearing, Luiz Fagundes Duarte also stated that the Regional Government will soon adopt the regulations on the creation of the Regional Council of Culture. This advisory body will be part of the Government structure.

The Regional Council of Culture, which will include representatives from various organisations and personalities, aims to monitor the definition of goals and policies for the sector as well as the respective implementation.