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Presidência do Governo Regional
José Manuel Bolieiro and AIMA join forces to provide more "effective" services in the Azores
José Manuel Bolieiro and AIMA join forces to provide more "effective" services in the Azores
Presidência do Governo Regional
"Excellence in training" is priority for the Azores, says José Manuel Bolieiro
"Excellence in training" is priority for the Azores, says José Manuel Bolieiro
Presidência do Governo Regional
Speech by the President of the Government
Speech by the President of the Government
May 28, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro and AIMA join forces to provide more "effective" services in the Azores
May 28, 2025
"Excellence in training" is priority for the Azores, says José Manuel Bolieiro
May 28, 2025
Speech by the President of the Government
News
Next events
Jun
2
Jun
2
Jun
2
Jun
2
09:30
Sessão de abertura do V Curso de Segurança Marítima do Centro Atlântico
Igreja do Colégio, em Ponta Delgada.
Igreja do Colégio, em Ponta Delgada.
Presidente do Governo
Jun
2
10:30
Audiência à Secretária para as Malvinas, Antártida, Política Oceânica e Atlântico Sul do Governo da Argentina, Paola Di Chiaro, e o Embaixador da Argentina em Portugal, Federico Barttfeld
Palácio de Sant’Ana, em Ponta Delgada.
Palácio de Sant’Ana, em Ponta Delgada.
Presidente do Governo
Jun
2
14:15
Audiência à Embaixadora do Canadá em Portugal, Élise Racicot
Palácio de Sant’Ana, em Ponta Delgada.
Palácio de Sant’Ana, em Ponta Delgada.
Presidente do Governo
Nota de Imprensa
May 28, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro and AIMA join forces to provide more "effective" services in the Azores
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, received today the President of the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), Pedro Portugal Gaspar, in a courtesy visit, marking the official's first visit to the Region. Accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estevão, the meeting took place in an atmosphere of constructive dialogue and mutual recognition of the work carried out in the Region in terms of immigrant integration. "This openness and direct knowledge of the reality of the Autonomous Regions on the part of AIMA is to be commended," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the smooth running of AIMA's services in the Azores, stressing that "when everything goes well, this should also be acknowledged." During its visit to the Azores, the AIMA delegation, led by Pedro Portugal Gaspar, visited the agency's facilities on the islands of Faial, Terceira and São Miguel, as well as the Local Centres for the Integration of Migrants (CLAIM) in Angra do Heroísmo and Ponta Delgada. According to AIMA's most recent report, covering 2023, there are currently more than 6,200 immigrants from 98 different countries living in the Azores, a figure that highlights the growing diversity of Azorean society and the ongoing work towards full integration. The President of the Regional Government also highlighted the Region's willingness to deepen institutional cooperation with AIMA. "We are building an understanding with a view to closer collaboration, considering the specificities of our archipelago and the challenges of territorial discontinuity," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. This collaboration, he added, should lead to gains in "efficiency" and "quality" when supporting immigrant citizens, improving the existing coordination with entities such as AIPA – Association of Immigrants in the Azores – and the consular corps accredited in the Region. The archipelago has been recognised as a national example of welcoming and integrating immigrants. Evidence of this was the recent approval of a bill extending social mobility benefits to all resident immigrants, contributing to the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of social justice.
May 28, 2025
José Manuel Bolieiro and AIMA join forces to provide more "effective" services in the Azores
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, received today the President of the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), Pedro Portugal Gaspar, in a courtesy visit, marking the official's first visit to the Region. Accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estevão, the meeting took place in an atmosphere of constructive dialogue and mutual recognition of the work carried out in the Region in terms of immigrant integration. "This openness and direct knowledge of the reality of the Autonomous Regions on the part of AIMA is to be commended," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the smooth running of AIMA's services in the Azores, stressing that "when everything goes well, this should also be acknowledged." During its visit to the Azores, the AIMA delegation, led by Pedro Portugal Gaspar, visited the agency's facilities on the islands of Faial, Terceira and São Miguel, as well as the Local Centres for the Integration of Migrants (CLAIM) in Angra do Heroísmo and Ponta Delgada. According to AIMA's most recent report, covering 2023, there are currently more than 6,200 immigrants from 98 different countries living in the Azores, a figure that highlights the growing diversity of Azorean society and the ongoing work towards full integration. The President of the Regional Government also highlighted the Region's willingness to deepen institutional cooperation with AIMA. "We are building an understanding with a view to closer collaboration, considering the specificities of our archipelago and the challenges of territorial discontinuity," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. This collaboration, he added, should lead to gains in "efficiency" and "quality" when supporting immigrant citizens, improving the existing coordination with entities such as AIPA – Association of Immigrants in the Azores – and the consular corps accredited in the Region. The archipelago has been recognised as a national example of welcoming and integrating immigrants. Evidence of this was the recent approval of a bill extending social mobility benefits to all resident immigrants, contributing to the elimination of discrimination and the promotion of social justice.
Nota de Imprensa
May 28, 2025
"Excellence in training" is priority for the Azores, says José Manuel Bolieiro
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired the opening session of the international conference "Excellence in Vocational Education and Training on the European Islands: New Paths, Promising Future," marking the formal start of the European OVER-SEES project. The event brings together, for the first time, the 15 institutional partners of the international consortium, from four island regions of the European Union: the Azores, the West-Ireland Region, the Aegean Islands (Greece) and Sicily (Italy). The consortium is coordinated by ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon and led by Francisco Simões, a researcher at the Centre for Psychological Research and Social Intervention (CIS-ISCTE). The Autonomous Region of the Azores is participating through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, via the Regional Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment. The application to create a Vocational Centre of Excellence was approved by the European Commission in a 48-month project with an overall investment of about four million Euros. The OVER-SEES project aims to promote excellence in vocational education and training as a tool for economic and social transformation, bringing together people, companies, training organisations and public governance in an innovative cooperation model. The main goal is to accelerate the dual transition - digital and ecological - in line with the Smart Specialisation strategies (RIS3) of the island regions involved. "This project places the Azores and the other participating regions as benchmarks in the European Union for vocational excellence," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. He added: "We trust young Azoreans. We want them to have access to the best possible training, to put down roots here, and to build a promising future in the Azores." Among the strategic sectors highlighted are sustainable agriculture, rural tourism, renewable energy sources and digital transformation, key areas for the development of the new island economies. The head of the Azorean Government underlined the progress already made in terms of training and integrating young people in the Azores. The number of students opting for vocational education has been growing: from 715 in 2019/2020 to 946 in 2024/2025, with 1,103 new students expected to join next school year, spread over 54 courses. "Our strategic commitment is paying off. Young Azoreans are increasingly committed to their education and are aware of the opportunities they can build here, in their homeland," he said. Another relevant indicator is the reduction in the rate of young NEETs (not in Employment, Education or Training), which fell from 20.7 % at the end of 2020 to 11.2 % in 2024 - a reduction of about 5,400 young people in this situation. José Manuel Bolieiro also stressed that the Azores joining the OVER-SEES project "strengthens" the goals of the Azores 2030 Operational Programme, with a direct impact on lifelong learning, the modernisation of vocational education and employability. "Our goal is clear: we must no longer be a Region of needs but a Region of opportunities. Excellence in training is the key to responding to the challenges of the ecological and digital transition, and to recognising the role of young people in the sustainable development of our island communities," stated the President of the Regional Government. The session was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, the Regional Secretary for Education, Culture and Sport, Sofia Ribeiro, and the President of the Economic and Social Council of the Azores, Piedade Lalanda. Also present were the Vice-Rector of the University of the Azores, Suzana Caldeira, the Vice-Rector of ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon, Helena Carreiras, and the Coordinator of the OVER-SEES Project, Francisco Simões. Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government
May 28, 2025
"Excellence in training" is priority for the Azores, says José Manuel Bolieiro
The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired the opening session of the international conference "Excellence in Vocational Education and Training on the European Islands: New Paths, Promising Future," marking the formal start of the European OVER-SEES project. The event brings together, for the first time, the 15 institutional partners of the international consortium, from four island regions of the European Union: the Azores, the West-Ireland Region, the Aegean Islands (Greece) and Sicily (Italy). The consortium is coordinated by ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon and led by Francisco Simões, a researcher at the Centre for Psychological Research and Social Intervention (CIS-ISCTE). The Autonomous Region of the Azores is participating through the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, via the Regional Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment. The application to create a Vocational Centre of Excellence was approved by the European Commission in a 48-month project with an overall investment of about four million Euros. The OVER-SEES project aims to promote excellence in vocational education and training as a tool for economic and social transformation, bringing together people, companies, training organisations and public governance in an innovative cooperation model. The main goal is to accelerate the dual transition - digital and ecological - in line with the Smart Specialisation strategies (RIS3) of the island regions involved. "This project places the Azores and the other participating regions as benchmarks in the European Union for vocational excellence," stated José Manuel Bolieiro. He added: "We trust young Azoreans. We want them to have access to the best possible training, to put down roots here, and to build a promising future in the Azores." Among the strategic sectors highlighted are sustainable agriculture, rural tourism, renewable energy sources and digital transformation, key areas for the development of the new island economies. The head of the Azorean Government underlined the progress already made in terms of training and integrating young people in the Azores. The number of students opting for vocational education has been growing: from 715 in 2019/2020 to 946 in 2024/2025, with 1,103 new students expected to join next school year, spread over 54 courses. "Our strategic commitment is paying off. Young Azoreans are increasingly committed to their education and are aware of the opportunities they can build here, in their homeland," he said. Another relevant indicator is the reduction in the rate of young NEETs (not in Employment, Education or Training), which fell from 20.7 % at the end of 2020 to 11.2 % in 2024 - a reduction of about 5,400 young people in this situation. José Manuel Bolieiro also stressed that the Azores joining the OVER-SEES project "strengthens" the goals of the Azores 2030 Operational Programme, with a direct impact on lifelong learning, the modernisation of vocational education and employability. "Our goal is clear: we must no longer be a Region of needs but a Region of opportunities. Excellence in training is the key to responding to the challenges of the ecological and digital transition, and to recognising the role of young people in the sustainable development of our island communities," stated the President of the Regional Government. The session was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, the Regional Secretary for Education, Culture and Sport, Sofia Ribeiro, and the President of the Economic and Social Council of the Azores, Piedade Lalanda. Also present were the Vice-Rector of the University of the Azores, Suzana Caldeira, the Vice-Rector of ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon, Helena Carreiras, and the Coordinator of the OVER-SEES Project, Francisco Simões. Related press release: Speech by the President of the Government