Over 550 “Azores Book Vouchers” issued, representing investment of more than €55,000
Ponta Delgada
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
More than 550 young Azoreans have already benefited or are currently benefiting from the “Azores Book Voucher,” a measure that involves an approved investment of more than €55,000 to encourage reading and help young people develop their skills through books.
This initiative was launched in 2024 by the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition government, through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, as part of the “Youth +” package. It is aimed at all young people aged 18 who are tax residents and/or natives of the Azores.
“Reading remains one of the most powerful tools for personal development. Every book purchased represents a learning opportunity, exposing readers to new ideas and cultural enrichment – factors that are fundamental to building a more informed, participatory and competitive society,” explained Maria João Carreiro.
According to the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, “the figures already reached demonstrate young people’s interest in valuing reading, knowledge and the acquisition of skills, seizing an opportunity created by the Regional Government to invest in their personal and academic development.”
Each “Azores Book Voucher,” worth €100, can be used to purchase printed books at the participating bookshops or book retailers. It may be used for multiple purchases at different bookshops and retailers within one year of the date of issue.
Applications for the “Azores Book Voucher,” issued by the Regional Directorate for Youth, must be submitted via the Youth Portal at juventude.azores.gov.pt from the day young people turn 18 to the day before their 19th birthday.
The “Azores Book Voucher” is issued in digital format; it is personal and non-transferable.
The cost of any book(s) purchased using the “Azores Book Voucher” is reimbursed by the Regional Government to bookshops, booksellers and retailers that have joined the initiative and are listed on the Youth Portal.
Young people residing on islands without participating entities can purchase books through intermediary entities responsible for digital sales and shipping. Shipping costs are paid directly to the intermediary entities and are not deducted from the balance of the "Azores Book Voucher."
The "Azores Book Voucher" is part of the “+Youth” package, an unprecedented initiative in the Region that includes the "Return Home" and "Salary Promotion Measure" programmes.
