AZORES | New school sports hall in Santa Maria was long-time goal achieved by current Government

The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the opening of the refurbishment works of the sports hall at the Santa Maria Basic Education and Secondary School, highlighting the achievement of a “long-time goal” that has been delivered by this Government.   

“It was a long-standing demand. This Government’s challenge was a present one. And the fulfilment of the commitment is being celebrated today,” he said, speaking in Vila do Porto on the island of Santa Maria.

During the ceremony, the President of the Government was accompanied by the Regional Secretaries for Education and Infrastructures, Sofia Ribeiro and Berta Cabral, respectively.

Since 2019, the Santa Maria Basic Education and Secondary School has suspended sports activities on the school grounds due to the deterioration of the spaces and sports facilities. As a result, students have to leave the school and take Physical Education classes at the Santa Maira sports complex.

“Educational success,” added the President of the Government, is achieved, for example, by acknowledging the role of education professionals – teachers and all other workers – but also by improving infrastructures.

“The legacy is still not a good benchmark when it comes to early school dropout, but this Government aims to reduce early school dropout rates in the Azores as quickly as possible,” said José Manuel Bolieiro, who mentioned the challenges for the sector in the coming years.

The Santa Maria Basic Education and Secondary School celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023.

The work opened today represented an investment of 2.3 million Euros, borne exclusively by the Regional Budget.

José Manuel Bolieiro also announced today that the Santa Maria school will have its fence restored by the end of the year, thus ensuring better safety conditions.

GRA/RÁDIOILHÉU