Maria João Carreiro announces "Digital Youth" with over 10 thousand Euros to support youth associations - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego

"Digital Youth - Local Training Workshops in Digital Skills’ is the new programme of the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth, to support the creation of training spaces at the headquarters of youth associations, or similar, as Maria João Carreiro announced this Wednesday in Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island.

The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment spoke at the opening of the 2nd edition of "Associations Talks," which took place at Arquipélago - Contemporary Arts Centre, as part of Youth Associations Day. According to her, the regulations for this new programme will be published on Monday, May 5, in the Official Journal, followed by the publication of the orders defining the application periods.

The "Digital Youth" programme provides two types of support that can total 10,850.00 Euros per association.

One measure will co-finance 95% of the purchase of laptops, software and internet services, which could amount to 8,100.00 Euros, whilst another measure will finance the development of short-term training units in digital skills for young people.

In the case of the latter, support is granted for each hour of training, ranging between 40 and 50 Euros, up to a maximum of 2,500.00 Euros. As for the costs of computer consumables, support services, maintenance or other essentials for carrying out the training, the support can reach a maximum amount of 250 Euros.

Young people aged between 12 and 24, or up to the age of 30 if part of social inclusion or reintegration projects, can benefit from the ‘Digital Youth’ programme. Promoting organisations include youth associations, similar associations, youth associations and others with an activity plan for young people. Training will be provided by the regional Vocational Schools and Certified Training Entities. 

"This programme will make an important contribution to opening up the headquarters of youth associations to more young people, who can and should find spaces to exercise citizenship, socialise and learn in areas such as digital technologies. They are also a challenge in terms of good democratic living as well as responsible, plural and inclusive participation," explained Maria João Carreiro.

Also to encourage wider participation by different audiences in the activities of the associations, the "Itinerary of Associations" will be created on the Azores Youth portal, available at juventude.azores.gov.pt, she announced.

This "Itinerary" will disseminate the activities of regional youth associations, "which will certainly make these activities more visible and encourage community participation in the life of these associations," she said.

"The diversity and importance of the associations' activities deserve to be made known and reach even more young people. As far as we,  the Regional Government, are concerned, you can count on our collaboration for this good publicity," stated Maria João Carreiro.

The Regional Secretary also expressed the Regional Government's recognition of each regional youth association for their "invaluable merits" and "strategic contribution" to community development, occupation and empowerment of young people, volunteering, creativity and innovation, environmental awareness and the promotion of Human Rights.

"Youth associations in the Azores are alive and kicking," praised the government official. She pointed out that the funding for youth associations’ activity plans has increased from about 83 thousand Euros in 2019 to 150 thousand Euros in 2025, i.e. double the investment, as a result of the improvements that the PSD/CDS/PPM coalition made to the incentive systems for youth associations.

During the "Associations Talks," and before the presentation  "Associations: From Personal Belief to Social Mission" by Rita Saias, former President of the National Youth Council, a tribute was paid to Leonardo Sousa, who passed away recently, with the posthumous award of the Diploma of Merit. The latter acknowledged his "excellent contribution to associations on the island of São Miguel and his efforts and continued work in developing activities in the areas of youth promotion, civic participation and community involvement of young people."

This was followed by the round table discussion "Associations in Youth" moderated by journalist Sara Oliveira. It featured Hugo Medeiros, from the Scout Association of Portugal (AEP); Mariana Pedro, from the Portuguese Association of Guides (AGP); José Carlos Pimentel, from the National Scouts Corps (CNE); Micaela Pimentel, from ICHTUS - Porto Judeu Youth Association; and Lizandra Silva, from AJIFA, Faial Island Youth Association. 

The "9 Circos Association" and the "VengaGirls" dance group provided cultural moments at a meeting that celebrated youth associations on Youth Associations Day.