The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stressed in Angra do Heroísmo the work carried out by 230 Social Solidarity Institutions (IPSS) operating in the Azores.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the remodelling works of Caritas premises on Terceira, Andreia Cardoso stressed that these IPSS "provide nearly 700 different social responses, which are ensured by the commitment of over four thousand Azoreans" under the Regional Network of Social Infrastructures.

In her speech, Andreia Cardoso, praised the commitment of the professionals working in these institutions as well as the action of those who, "either as leaders of association or as volunteers, have collaborated with each of these institutions."

With regard to works opened today, the Regional Secretary expressed her belief that the new facilities of Caritas bring "many advantages" for the development of the institution's activities.

In this context, the government official highlighted the access of people with reduced mobility and the improvement of skills of the training unit, which has increased "the potential employability of young adults in situations of exclusion."

In addition to other services installed at the new facilities, the Regional Secretary also highlighted the Youth Development and Integration Centre; the latter intends to promote "the healthy development of youngsters at risk, through psychosocial interventions aimed at young people, families and the community."

This service, as she stressed, "plays a key role in the prevention of school dropout and the development of skills of young people."

Andreia Cardoso noted that the training of Azoreans, "especially youngsters," is a concern of the Regional Government, which has allocated about 11 million Euros to the promotion of social inclusion by "promoting and improving the employability of these more public vulnerable groups."