More than 380 young people already benefiting from “Azores Book Voucher” scheme - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego

The Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Directorate for Youth, has already issued more than 380 "Book Vouchers" to young people aged 18 and over residing in the Azores, with a total approved investment of €38,000 and more than 390 approved sales.

For the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, this is a "significant" uptake of an unprecedented measure in the Region to "encourage young people to strengthen their skills and knowledge through reading and printed books.

Each "Azores Book Voucher" can be used to buy books for up to €100 in bookshops or other places selling books that have signed up to this initiative. The vouchers can be used for different purchases and in different places for a year from their date of issue.

Applications for the “Azores Book Voucher” must be submitted on the Youth Portal, at juventude.azores.gov.pt, between the day young people turn 18 and the day before their 19th birthday.

The “Azores Book Voucher”, in digital format, is personal and non-transferable.

The amount of books purchased with the “Azores Book Check” is reimbursed by the Regional Government to bookshops, booksellers and establishments selling books that have joined this measure and are listed on the Azores Youth Portal.

Young people living on islands without participating entities can purchase books from intermediary entities, which are 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" beneficiary.

The "Azores Book Voucher" is part of the “+Youth” package, an unprecedented initiative in the Region for young residents, which includes the "Return Home" and "Salary Promotion Measure" programmes.