Schools from the islands of Terceira, São Miguel, Faial, and Pico will represent the Azores at the national session of Portugal’s Youth Parliament (Parlamento dos Jovens) after being selected during the regional session held today at the plenary chamber of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in Horta.

The institutions chosen to represent the Azorean electoral district at the secondary school level are Vitorino Nemésio Secondary School (Terceira), Domingos Rebelo Secondary School (São Miguel), the Horta Vocational School (Faial), and the Lajes do Pico Basic and Secondary School (2,3/S). These four schools received the most votes at the regional gathering, which brought together dozens of students from across the archipelago.

Throughout the day, 78 students from 35 secondary and vocational schools across the Azores debated this year’s theme, “Financial Literacy: Young People Count!” The discussions focused on the importance of equipping young citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate economic realities and make informed financial decisions.

The base proposal presented by students Luana Viveiros and Ana Isabel Ribeiro, from the Vocational School of the Office and Commerce Workers’ Union of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, received 15 votes earlier in the afternoon and was adopted for discussion in committee. The debate resulted in the Recommendation Project of the Azores Electoral District, which will be presented at the national session of the Youth Parliament scheduled for May 25–26 at Portugal’s Assembly of the Republic in Lisbon.

During the proceedings, participants also elected a spokesperson to represent the Azorean delegation at the national session. The responsibility was entrusted to Catarina Costa, a student from Vitorino Nemésio Secondary School.

The opening session was led by Luís Garcia, President of the Azorean Legislative Assembly, who framed this year’s theme within the broader context of the 50th anniversary of Azorean Autonomy. Garcia reminded the students that autonomy represents “the capacity of the region to decide its own path,” but also carries “the responsibility to manage resources and define priorities.”

“Autonomy is not only the power to decide,” he said. “It is the wisdom to decide well.” He emphasized that financial literacy plays a crucial role in shaping informed, responsible citizens capable of participating actively in democratic life.

Following the opening remarks, the young delegates had the opportunity to question a panel of invited guests, including Member of Parliament Nuna Menezes, regional lawmakers Russell Sousa, Olivéria Santos, António Lima, and Nuno Barata, as well as Eládio Braga, the Regional Director for Youth.

The Youth Parliament program, organized nationally by Portugal’s Assembly of the Republic and carried out in the Azores in partnership with the regional legislature and government, aims to cultivate democratic participation among students. By encouraging debate, critical thinking, and civic engagement, the initiative seeks to prepare a new generation of citizens ready to participate in the country’s political and social life.

In Correio dos Açores-Paulo Viveiros, director

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.