Description
This project will seek to revitalize traditional activities with economic potential in Angra do Heroismo (Azores), supporting school integration and the employability of especially vulnerable young people of different age groups, thus addressing the high level of school dropout and youth unemployment. The project has the support of schools and other local stakeholders. One of the three components to be implemented will be the development of vocational routes in the school environment, centred on traditional activities, an offer which is currently unavailable in the region. The training and reconversion of skills in traditional activities will also be supported, with individual monitoring. The project will also have a component of entrepreneurship support in traditional activities, in the creation of self-employment and in the organization of producers. The creation of a support structure for the economic activities of young people with greater vulnerability is also planned.
Summary of project results
In Angra do Heroismo (Terceira island – Azores) the following problems were identified: students show a high school failure (retention / drop-out) (6.3% / 16%, in the 2nd and 17.2% / 25.4% in the third cycle of basic education, between 2007 and 2013), above the regional/ national averages; the number of young people in alternative educational programs with no vocational component amounts to 18%; there is absence of vocational proposals that bring young people to experiential learning, despite regional legislation provides for innovation initiatives; and there is high unemployment rate (534 young adults between 18 and 30 were registered at the Employment Agency). Additionally a survey has revealed interest of young people in areas such as organic farming, traditional pastry or sewing. 195 young people were involved in capacity-building actions for employability; 84 were trained on entrepreneurship. In addition 73 youngsters have participated in social inclusion actions. By the end of the project 12 young adults found a job, 10 have decided to continue/restart their studies and 8 have created their own job on pastry and transformation of agriculture products (6 initiated a joint social business and 2 launched individual private projects). The project was implemented in close cooperation with 2 schools and involved training in class and non-formal practical training on employability issues, on entrepreneurship and on self-employment, awareness-raising actions for employability, vocational guidance and counselling, setting up of a network to ensure the outflow of production, creation of marketing brands. The project targets were roughly met. However it is expected that the work done with all these youngsters will have outcomes at a later stage, regarding both school retention and employment opportunities. The NGO reports to have gained relevant knowledge and experience on social entrepreneurship and business management and believe that the project will be replicated in the region with longer durations, making the results emerge.
Summary of bilateral results