The president of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Luís Garcia, said he was encouraged by the results of the “Azores with a Future” initiative, which concluded this week on Corvo, the smallest island in the archipelago.

Speaking at the final session, held at the Escola Básica e Secundária Mouzinho da Silveira, Garcia said the nine-island tour offered a “positive balance,” highlighting projects, career paths, and experiences of young people who are “actively contributing” to the Region’s development.

“Ending this journey on the smallest island of the Azores carries special meaning,” Garcia said. “It shows that innovation, entrepreneurship, and commitment to the common good do not depend on the size of a territory, but on the dedication of those who choose to live and work here.”

The session brought together about 40 students and featured presentations by local residents, including João Estevão, a physical education teacher; Catarina Andrade, founder of the health and wellness entrepreneurship project Sazorea; Ana Pimentel, an elementary school teacher; and Rui Pimentel, a nature ranger—all based on Corvo.

“What we saw throughout this tour, from the first to the last island, is a generation that takes responsibility, invests in education, and contributes actively to the Azores’ social and economic development,” Garcia said. He added that on Corvo this reality is even more pronounced due to the island’s unique characteristics and strong sense of community and closeness among residents.

Addressing students directly, Garcia encouraged them to “continue believing in the value of knowledge, work, and civic participation,” assuring them that the Azorean Parliament remains committed to strengthening dialogue with young people and recognizing their role in the Region’s future.

With the Corvo meeting, the “Azores with a Future” roadshow завершed a cycle of nine sessions across all islands, reaffirming the Legislature’s commitment to bringing Parliament closer to citizens, fostering youth engagement, and strengthening territorial cohesion as a cornerstone of Azorean development.

In Diário dos Açores-Paulo Viveiros, diretor and from Press Release.

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.