More than 70 young people from 37 associations across the Region participated in InterAj 2026 - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego

InterAj 2026 – Capacity-Building Workshop for Youth Associations, an initiative promoted by the Government of the Azores, ended this Saturday in Madalena, Pico Island, bringing together a total of 78 young people from 37 associations across all islands of the Region.

Organised by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment through the Regional Directorate for Youth, InterAj began on Friday, October 23, with a two-day programme that included debates, communication activities and workshops dedicated to this year’s theme: "Emotional Intelligence, Well-being and Interpersonal Relationships."

The proceedings began with a round-table discussion on “Emotional Intelligence as a skill for leading, collaborating and caring within the context of youth associations and participation,” featuring Marco Santos, president of the Azores Regional Section of the Portuguese Psychological Association; Eric Rocha, an expert in socio-professional skills; and Paula Ferreira, an international project manager.

“Rethinking Well-being and Mental Health: Youth Associations and their Living Territories” was the title of the presentation by Nuno da Silva, an educator and consultant in human development, delivered to the young leaders and representatives of the associations.

Participants also had the opportunity to take part in workshops on association activities at InterAj 2026, dedicated to "Self-awareness and Emotional Management," with Ana Pires; "Empathetic Communication and Conflict Management," with Eric Rocha; and "Humanised Leadership and Team Well-being," with Margarida Salsinha.

During InterAj, the programmes, measures and support tools for youth associations, or similar organisations, in the Autonomous Region of the Azores were presented, including the Incentive Scheme for the Development of Youth Association Activities.

The cultural events at InterAj, which took place at the Madalena Primary and Secondary School, were hosted by the Animae Vox Ensemble and the Candelária Folk Group, which ran a workshop on "Chamarritas" (traditional dances) from the island of Pico.

InterAj takes place annually and aims to bring together associations in the Azores whose work and activities are dedicated, either fully or partially, to young people. It provides an opportunity for dialogue where leaders and representatives of these associations have the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing youth associations.

This Capacity-Building Workshop for Youth Associations also contributes to the empowerment and civic education of young people and youth association leaders in the Azores.