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October 31, 2016
Why we need to HELP Venezuela's Youth
Venezuela is a large country in South America with a population of 31 million people that is now in an economic crisis that has left millions of persons impoverished and without access to adequate food. The Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) has an opportunity to provide essential food to 1,000 young people if they can receive the support that they need. The crisis in Venezuela is directly connected to the collapse in oil prices. Oil exports are responsible for 95% of Venezuela’s export earnings and revenue has fallen by 40%. Compounding this problem has been mismanagement of the economy by Venezuela’s political leaders. Food shortages have become so acute that some adults remain in bed all day to save calories. Students have collapsed at school due to insufficient food and others have chosen not to eat for several days in order to ensure that younger siblings have enough to eat. The Jesuits in Venezuela operate a network of schools called “Fe y Alegria” (Faith and Joy). These schools seek to provide a quality education for young people who live in the poorest sectors of society while fostering a concern for social justice. In the face of the economic and social crisis their country faces, the Jesuits seek to establish a pilot nutrition program in two of their schools in remote regions of Venezuela where the students are particularly dependent on the school community for their academic and social development. Providing these students with a healthy diet, the schools will track academic performance and physical wellbeing throughout the year. The cost of the program will be $2.50 per student per week or just $10 a month or $100 a year (10 month school year). If you would like to contribute to this effort to help young people who are currently in desperate need, you can w
rite a check to the “Jesuit Community of Staten Island” and your funds will be sent to the Jesuits of Venezuela. Cash contributions can be accepted as well. Donations can be left at the parish office. The Jesuits in Venezuela will certainly appreciate your support!
Fr. Mark Hallinan, S.J