José Manuel Bolieiro highlights youth's role in welcoming Portuguese-American students - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Azorean Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, received a group of 10 Portuguese-American students attending Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts, USA. Accompanied by professors Gregory DeMelo and Yulia Stakhnevich, the students are visiting the Region for an educational and intercultural experience. This visit aims to deepen their knowledge of the Azorean reality and strengthen cultural and identity ties with their origins.

José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised the importance of this initiative for strengthening relations between the Azores and the diaspora, underlining that young people "are the main actors of tomorrow" and their ties to the land of their ancestors are crucial for preserving the Azorean cultural identity.

The head of the Azorean Government also emphasised that the Azores are increasingly establishing themselves as a "region of opportunities," with the potential to attract new generations in areas such as education, tourism, science and sustainability.

Their visit is an opportunity to foster a sense of belonging to their Azorean roots and build a bridge between generations. For José Manuel Bolieiro, these actions are essential to ensure the continuity of Azorean identity in emigrant communities and strengthen the emotional and cultural ties between the diaspora and the archipelago.

The programme includes visits to the University of the Azores, a secondary school, the Carlos Machado Museum and the Sahar Hassamain synagogue, the latter being a landmark in Ponta Delgada's history. In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore the stunning natural scenery of São Miguel Island with tours to Sete Cidades, Nordeste and Furnas.

Young visitors have already shown their fascination with the natural beauty of the Azores as well as the dynamics and potential the Region has in various areas. This experience provides a deeper contact with their roots and an opportunity to inspire new perspectives and projects.

José Manuel Bolieiro emphasised that the Azores play a crucial role as promoters of innovation, culture and sustainability, highlighting that "the future depends on young people, their energy and creativity."

For the President of the Azorean Government, this type of exchange helps to create ties that go beyond the present, allowing new generations to view the Azores as not just the place of their origins but also as a space of possibilities and growth.