President of the Government emphasises role of volunteers in relieving "needs and loneliness of so many people"

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, visited the facilities of the Zero Waste Project in Ponta Delgada today, on the occasion of International Volunteer Day, emphasising the "humanitarian and humanist" role of all those who contribute to "relieving the needs and loneliness of so many people."

"Volunteering is above all a humanitarian attitude towards others that we can give to each other on a daily basis. I would like to thank all the volunteers who show this humanist and humanitarian attitude. Thank you very much for your efforts," said the President of the Government, who was accompanied by Leonor Anahory, President of the São Miguel Senior Association, the managing entity of the Zero Waste project, created in 2016.

No matter how many "public social support policies" there are, "there are always those who need a helping hand," whether it be material, financial or " just a little care and attention," recalled José Manuel Bolieiro.

"If we only believe that it is only worth intervening when we have solved the world's problems, we will be indifferent. If we think that our contribution, no matter how small, is helpful, we will no longer be indifferent," continued the President of the Government.

Overall, about 40 volunteers are working on the Zero Waste project, promoting the reuse of surplus food, cooked and collected from establishments in Ponta Delgada, which then makes up the meals delivered to families in São Roque, Fajã de Baixo, São Pedro and São Sebastião.

Currently, it covers about 70 people.

The Regional Government, which has solidarity as an essential value when it comes to public policies, is currently supporting 742 families, through direct support for childcare. It should noted that daycare is free in the Region - more than 3,000 children are already covered by this programme.

School textbooks are now free for all elementary school students. The dematerialisation of textbooks has already covered middle and junior high school students.

The maximum allowance under COMPAMID has increased from 315 Euros in 2019 to 579 Euros in 2023, covering more than 22 thousand people. In the meantime, scholarships are being awarded to students: 450 scholarships were awarded to disadvantaged students in higher education and more than 1,000 students were covered by the tuition fee support programme.

Under this Government, there is also a home support programme for the elderly, the "New Elderly," which has been extended to several municipalities. It currently covers 157 elderly people.