Madeira News Blog

(20^th May) On the national TV news this morning it was announced that the law has been changed to allow security guards, working for private companies, to carry guns. The change is effective from 6^th June. Whether that will automatically apply to Madeira under its autonomous status I don’t know.

(16^th May) Unemployment for Portugal as a whole is hovering around the 8.9% mark, higher than expected. Nearly half a million people are now registered as unemployed, in the worst situation in the last 23 years. I wonder if someone will release the Portuguese equivalent of the 1981 hit by UB40 ‘One In Ten’ … a dire situation indeed.

(15^th May) The government of the republic approved on Thursday a decree limiting the number of residency permits to be issued for the year to 3,800. This applies only to residence visas to be granted to non-EU nationals, wishing to work in Portugal. In 2008 the number issued was 8,600, yet there were only 3,300 jobs offered to non-EU nationals that year.

Overview

The school education system on Madeira falls under the remit of the Portuguese education system, although there are some important differences outside of the curriculum itself.

The school year commences late September for most students, and runs across 3 terms, with breaks at Christmas and Easter, and then for almost 3 months during the summer. There are no half term breaks in Madeira schools.

Schooling is compulsory from the age of 6 until the age of 16 for all residents, although some children may start earlier if there is a nursery school or other preschool facility available. School registration usually requires a health check and the production of documents relating to identity and health care, and although there are set registration periods, if coming to Madeira from elsewhere there shouldn’t be any problems outside of these periods as long as space is available in the school.

Portuguese children would naturally go to their local state school, but some non-Madeiran parents choose to send their children to the private English school in Funchal, but through that option there is of course a impact on the speed and thoroughness of that child’s integration into Portuguese society and culture.  Fees would be payable, and any private school would have to be registered by the Department of Education and follow national and / or international curricula. 

State schooling is state funded, with the exception of books and equipment, clothes and meals, which are expensive and many parents find difficulty in funding. There are often arrangements in
place for transportation for children living in the more remote areas of Madeira.

Together, the primary and secondary school systems take a child through a minimum of 12 years (grades), and amongst the compulsory subjects, English is due to become taught for a period covering up to 4 years for Madeira’s children.

Primary School (Escola Básica)

Education at this level is split into phases (4, 2 & 3 years), and in the first phase the child may be with the same teacher and classmates for several years, normally studying or learning in less hours than in later years. Before proceeding to the next phase, the children need to be assessed for ability to progress, which can result in some children being retained for a further year.

Due to some issues of supply and demand, some schools work a double shift system, with early morning starts and early  finishes for some, followed by an second shift for other children.

In the second phase, the children generally stay together, working longer hours and may have several teachers, each  covering a group of subjects.

In the final phase, lasting 3 years, which takes the children up to the age of 14, students can branch out into new subjects according to their preferences, and will have a variety of much more specialised teachers.

Getting from year to year involves passing assessments, and if a particular child does not pass the criteria then they stay at the same level for an extra year before moving on, meaning that theoretically the normal finishing age of 14 can be considerably extended.

When each subject module is successfully passed, the student receives a certificate of basic education, and after the final evaluation the successful students gain a diploma which allows them to enter into secondary education, if they choose to do so, or they can finish schooling at that stage.

Secondary School (Escola Secundária)

The students here exercise further choices in more specialised subject matter, in courses spanning over a further 2 or 3 years.  The assessments are continuous, with annual exams in each subject. At the end students take exams, set and managed at a national level, and if they are successful in completing the third year then they are able to proceed to further education on Madeira or elsewhere if they choose to do so.

Education & School ‘Cycles’ for Madeiran Children

1st Cycle 1st Phase
1º  year / grade age 6
2º  year / grade age 7
3º  year / grade age 8
4º  year / grade age 9

1st Cycle 2nd Phase
5º  year / grade age 10
6º  year / grade age  11

1st Cycle 3rd Phase
7º  year / grade age 12
8º  year / grade age 13
9º  year / grade age 14

2nd Cycle
10º  year / grade age 15
11º  year / grade age 16

2nd Cycle for University Entrance
12º  year / grade age 17

University
3 years

Adult Education

Madeira has its own university (UMa), where students can opt for courses to obtain diplomas and degrees, but a noticeable number leave the island to take their course on the mainland, usually Lisbon, rather than stay on Madeira where the choices are understandably more limited.

Adult education classes are available around Madeira, often through night school, with the aim of providing poorly educated adults with an opportunity to better themselves and their careers. They run for up to 3 hours a night on every weeknight, and are free for residents to attend. Some foreigners use these courses to try and learn or improve their Portuguese language skills, but it can be difficult as there is no guarantee that the teacher can speak English.

It is becoming more common to find language courses for foreigners wishing to learn to speak Portuguese, and in recent years classes have been held at Calheta, Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava.

Qualifications

Professional and technical qualifications obtained on Madeira should equate to EU recognised levels, and would certainly be recognised within Portuguese boundaries, but beyond that each country would have its own means of comparison. Demonstrating that difference, it would suffice to say that a degree gained at an English university would enable you to announce yourself as ‘Doctor’ on Madeira.

Standards Of Education

Madeira and Portugal are like any other country where good and not so good standards vary from school to school. By enlarge, it is usually reported in the local press that Madeira underachieves compared with the Portuguese national averages, but given the differences in the economy, maybe that is not so surprising.

Also, teacher moral is not high on Madeira due to issues such as pay, and changes in employment conditions and the teaching curriculum, with the latest issues being over retirement conditions and teacher evaluations, and there have been several strikes in recent years. The issue of teacher evaluations was overcome on Madeira, when the regional government unwisely decided to give them all a blanket evaluation of ‘good’ in 2008.

However, the measures for child assessment on Madeira are set nationally, and it is at least possible to monitor a child’s progress and spot at an early stage if the educational targets are not being met, and then it is not too late to take remedial action through further tutoring, or as a last result a change of school.

DISCLAIMER – THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, AND IS PROVIDED FOR BRIEF GUIDANCE ONLY, ON A BEST ENDEAVORS BASIS.

NO RESPONSIBILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION SHOWN HERE, AND YOU SHOULD SEEK INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION OR PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE. THIS PAGE WAS LAST UPDATED IN 2008.

This information sheet is copyright material – do not reproduce in part or full without written consent      

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MADEIRA NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBER – 112

NATIONAL INFORMATION NUMBER – 118

MORE USEFUL NUMBERS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES ON MADEIRA

In the event of injury or illness whilst on the Madeira, it is well equipped to deal with most problems locally, and if not it is not so far to reach the main Madeira hospitals in Funchal. If the situation is serious phone 112 for all emergency situations.

‘Out Of Hours’ Emergency – Most of the larger towns have a health centre ‘Centro de Saude’ with a doctors surgery, Some have accident and emergency facilities. If you can confirm your nearest one is open and can get there, then you should try that. You have the option of an ambulance by phoning 112 if the situation is serious. This may be chargeable, depending on your circumstances. If you are in a hotel, ask at reception for help. There are also many private doctors practices on Madeira, but if you are able you should clarify the costs, and establish whether your medical insurance policy would cover these expenses. If possible take your passport, E111 (European citizens health card) or equivalent health insurance document, and/or any private health or travel insurance documents you may have. If you are resident in Madeira then you should have a state health card (Cartão de Utente, or similar). Take this, and any private medical insurance documentation. You apply for the Cartão de Utente, by taking your residency permit to the reception of your local health centre on Madeira.

Madeira Ambulance Services – If you need an ambulance, ask at your hotel reception,  or phone 112 to request one. They are normally provided by the Fire Brigade, although there are private ambulances on Madeira.

Weekday Daytime’ Emergency – If you are staying at a hotel, you can probably ask at reception to arrange a doctors appointment. Alternatively you can go to the local ‘Centro De Saude’ (Health Centre) and wait there to see a doctor. Take your passport, E111 or equivalent health insurance document, and/or any private health or travel insurance documents you may have. If you are resident on Madeira and have a Cartão de Utente, or similar, that should be all you need.

Private Medical Treatment on Madeira – Check in the phone book to find private doctors (Medicos) and large practices respectively. If possible, try and determine the basis of charging and whether you have medical insurance to cover your needs, before committing yourself to treatment. You can also check the yellow pages online, using the keywords ‘médicos’ and the name of your nearest town. YELLOW PAGES

Pharmacies / Chemists (Farmácias) – Pharmacies ‘Farmácias’ are fairly plentiful on Madeira and many are open long hours and are situated in central locations. Chemists are run by well trained staff, and they might be able to offer advice on remedies for minor ailments. There is a duty roster, which means that they take turns to open late. They all display the traditional ‘green cross’ sign outside. There is a 24 hour chemist in Funchal (see below). There are too many to list here, but you can check the section in the yellow pages using the word ‘farmácia’, or search online using the same keyword and the name of your nearest town. YELLOW PAGES

Dentists – Dentists are notoriously expensive on Madeira, so travellers are well advised to ensure their teeth are in good shape before travelling, and also ensuring that they have travel or private medical insurance that
will cover them in the event of dental problems. If you are staying at a hotel it is worth asking at reception whether they have any special arrangements or can recommend a dentist. There is no choice but to go private, and you should check the costs and whether you are covered by medical insurance before committing yourself. If you have a dental emergency on a weekend or public holiday or at nightime, you will probably need to go to Funchal for treatment – telephone 291 207676 for further information. You can find dentists through the yellow pages telephone phone book or online using the keyword ‘dentista’ and your nearest large town, but prices may well be higher for foreigners in an emergency, especially where there might be thought to be private travel or medical insurance covering the cost. YELLOW PAGES

OTHER EMERGENCIES

Madeira Fire Brigade – Known as the ‘Corpo de Bombeiros’, the fire brigade are situated near most major towns. In the event of fire or other serious emergency phone 112 to get assistance or report an incident. Or you can select a number from the list below. You are more likely to find English spoken on the emergency number.

Madeira Coast Guard – ‘Guarda de Litoral’. Phone 112 to get assistance or report an incident, or 291 230 112.

Madeira Police – In an emergency you can phone 112. Most major towns have a police station or police presence throughout the day and night. If the situation is not an emergency, then you can phone 291 208 400 for advice, or ring or visit your local police station (see the contact list below)

Via Rápida (Motorway) breakdown – If you breakdown on the motorway phone 800 290 290 for assistance. There are plenty of cameras along the busiest sections, so you may find help is on the way before requesting it. Be aware that mobile phones may not work inside the tunnels. In the event of a fire in a tunnel, keep well away, outside if possible, as there may be toxic fumes.

Madeira Airport – Phone 291 524 941 for advice if your problem is concerns Madeira Airport.

International Red Cross – Telephone 291 741 115.

British Consulate, Funchal – The British Consulate can assist with the following problems, other consulates and embassies may have different arrangements.
- Issue emergency passports.
- Contact relatives and friends and ask them to help you with money or tickets.
- Tell you how to transfer money. In an emergency, cash you a sterling cheque worth up to £100 if supported by a valid banker’s card.
- As a last resort, in exceptional circumstances, and as long as you meet certain strict rules, give you a loan to get you back to the UK, but only if there is no-one else who can help you.
- Help you get in touch with local lawyers, interpreters and doctors.
- Arrange for next of kin to be told of an accident or a death and advise on procedures.
- Visit you if you have been arrested or put in prison, and arrange for messages to be sent to relatives and friends.
- Put you in touch with organisations who help trace missing persons.
- Speak to the local authorities on your behalf.
The British Consulate is based in Avenida Zarco in Funchal, the daytime telephone number is 00351 291212860. It is only open Monday to Friday 9.30am to midday, but in emergencies only, British Citizens can phone 00351 962720557. Fax number : 00351 291212869

Other Consulates / Embassies :
Austria : Tel (00351) 291 206 100
Belgium : Tel (00351) 291 210 200
Brazil : Tel (00351) 291 227 250
France : Tel (00351) 291 200 750
Germany : Tel (00351) 291 220 338
Holland : Tel (00351) 291 703 803
Italy : Tel (00351) 291 223 890
Norway : Tel (00351) 291 741 515
South Africa : Tel (00351) 291 223 521
Sweden : Tel (00351) 291 233 603
USA  : Tel (00351) 291 235 636

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR POLICE, FIRE BRIGADE, HOSPITALS, CLINICS, & 24 HOUR PHARMACY NUMBER – These are provided on a best endeavours basis

FUNCHAL
FIRE BRIGADE
Avenida Calouste Gulbenkian Ed. 2000, 9000-011 tel: 291 211 014
Rua Matadouro 1, 9050-100 tel: 291 223 056
POLICE (tel : 291 208 400) Rua Francisco Franco, 9000-083 tel: 291 220 800
Rua São João Deus 7, 9000-028 tel: 291 281 230
Rua Infância 28, 9050-039 tel: 291 241 422
HOSPITALS & CLINICS / HEALTH CENTRES.
Hospital Cruz de Carvalho (Central) 57 Avenida Luís Camões, 9000-168 tel: 291 705 600
Hospitais dos Marmeleiros Estrada Marmeleiros, Monte, 9050 tel: 291 705 730
Hospital Doutor João  Almada Quinta Santa, Monte, 9050 tel: 291 780 300 / 291 705 700
Clínica Santa Luzia (24 Hour Service) Rua Torrinha 5, 9054-516 tel: 291 200 000
Clínica Estrada Monumental Centro Monumental Lido tel: 291 771 020
Clínica Rua Pombal 31-Bloco A, 9050-075 tel: 291 755 300
Clínica R Latino Coelho 60,2º-A, 9060-155 tel: 291 204 480
CHEMIST – 24 HOUR
Estrada Monumental 456 tel: 291 776 860

CÂMARA DE LOBOS
FIRE BRIGADE – Rua Carreira 11, 9300-039 tel: 291 911 444
7A, Casas Próximas Curral das Freiras 9030-040 tel: 291 712 533
POLICE – Rua Padre Pita Ferreira, 9300-117 tel: 291 911 040
Rua Doutor João A Ornelas , Estreito C de Lobos 9325-032 ESTREITO tel: 291 948 024
Quinta Grande, 9300 tel: 291 940 666
CLINIC – 9325 Estreito Câmara de Lobos tel: 291 948 151

SANTANA
POLICE – Achada Pampilhar Santana, 9230-083 tel: 291 572 403

SÃO VICENTE
POLICE – Passo Vicente, 9240-217 tel: 291 846 229

CALHETA
FIRE BRIGADE – 9370-133 Calheta tel: 291 827 204
Ladeira Lamaceiros 9370 Arco Da Calheta tel: 291 827 334
POLICE – Vila Calheta, 9370-133 tel: 291 822 422
CLINIC – St da Estrela, Calheta, 9370-111 tel: 291 823 456

MACHICO
POLICE – Vila Machico, 9200 tel: 291 965 574

PONTA DO SOL
POLICE – Rua Padre Leão Henriques, 9360-216 tel: 291 972 223
CLINIC – Vila Ponta do Sol, 9360-217 tel: 291 972 291

PORTO MONIZ
POLICE – Estrada Regional, 9270 tel: 291 853 361
CLINIC – Rua Dr João de Françacosme tel 291 850 170/ 291 853 204

RIBEIRA BRAVA
FIRE BRIGADE – Ponta de Vermelha, 9350 tel: 291 952 114 & 291 952 281
POLICE – Muro, 9350-212 tel: 291 952 159
CLINIC – Largo 1º Maio, 9350-128 tel: 291 957 300

SANTA CRUZ
POLICE Praça Doutor João A Freitas, 9100-157 tel: 291 524 767
Rua Camélias , Camacha, 9135-200 tel: 291 922 530

PORTO SANTO
FIRE BRIGADE – R D. Berta M T Aguiar, 9400-154 tel: 291 982 115
POLICE – Lombas Porto St 9400-065 tel: 291 982 615
Esquadra da Cidade Matas tel: 291 982 423
CLINIC – Rua Dr José Diamantino Lima tel: 291 980 060

DISCLAIMER – THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, AND IS PROVIDED FOR BRIEF GUIDANCE ONLY, ON A BEST ENDEAVORS BASIS.

NO RESPONSIBILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION SHOWN HERE, AND YOU SHOULD SEEK INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION OR PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE. THIS PAGE WAS LAST UPDATED IN 2008.

This information sheet is copyright material – do not reproduce in part or full without written consent 

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