José Manuel Bolieiro stresses that new protocol "brings young people of Azorean descent closer to understanding the potential of the Azores" - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, presided over the signing of the protocol establishing the FLAD Summer Programme – Azores on Thursday at the Palácio da Conceição. This initiative is the result of a partnership between the Regional Government, the University of the Azores, and the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD).

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the “strengthening of FLAD’s presence in the Azores,” emphasising that this commitment reflects “a commitment to solidarity that honours the Region and continues the historical relations” with the community of Azorean descent in the United States. 

The President of the Government also made a point of acknowledging the work of FLAD President Nuno Morais Sarmento, whom he credited with “an ever-increasing commitment and involvement with the Azores.” According to him, this “clearly demonstrates the importance of the Region to the Foundation.”

The protocol signed will fund scholarships for young Portuguese-Americans of Azorean descent who, over the next two years, will be able to attend summer courses at the University of the Azores. 

The aim is to bring these young people closer to their roots, improving their knowledge of the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the archipelago, while encouraging scientific relations and stimulating leadership skills.

The President recalled that the Region has sought to maintain close ties with the diaspora, defending that it is essential "not to lose identity, nor to forget the memory and longing that unite the Azoreans scattered around the world. 

Despite this, he stressed that the focus is on "the future," noting that the Azores today have "more future than past." The programme will help deepen knowledge about the archipelago's potential and strengthen transatlantic relations between Portugal and the United States.

The President of the Regional Government expressed confidence in the results of the protocol, signed in the year when FLAD celebrates its 50th anniversary. According to him, it is another step towards strengthening relations between the Foundation, the Region, and the Azorean communities abroad.

The document was signed by José Manuel Bolieiro, the Rector of the University of the Azores, Susana Mira Leal, and the President of FLAD, Nuno Morais Sarmento.