Cáritas Project Receives Church Donation for 344 Scholarships in Argentina

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made a significant monetary donation to support 344 scholarships for families and students in Argentina. The scholarships are part of the Emaús Educational Inclusion Plan, a project managed by Cáritas.

Plan Emaús, implemented in 21 provinces and 44 dioceses across Argentina, aims to transform the reality of the poorest communities through education. This year, the plan is helping more than 20,000 people improve their living conditions.

In Argentina, 44.7% of the population lives in poverty, according to a report from the Social Debt Observatory of the Catholic University of Argentina. This means more than 18 million people are living below the poverty line.

The donation from the Church supports Cáritas’s efforts to fight poverty in Argentina. It offers educational and comprehensive development programs that meet basic needs such as food and health while promoting education as a tool for equity and social inclusion. In many cases, Plan Emaús has enabled children and young people from vulnerable families to access quality education, with some even becoming the first generation in their families to achieve post-secondary or university studies.

Sofía Zadara, executive director of Cáritas, expressed gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ for the support provided through the donation, which will assist families. She said the donation will help address educational and nutritional improvements, which are vital for these communities.

Elder Carlos Cantero, a regional Church leader, praised Cáritas for its work to support and encourage young people in the challenges they encounter.

The contribution from the Church of Jesus Christ will be used to strengthen several components of Plan Emaús. This includes the Educational Space where school support activities, as well as, artistic, recreational and sports workshops, are held.

Additionally, the funds will support the Early Childhood Program, which provides training in parenting practices and perinatal health to mothers of young children. It also supports the Reinforced Snacks component, which ensures nutritious meals for participating children.

The more than 15,000 children attending the 247 educational spaces of Plan Emaús across Argentina receive academic support and participate in activities that enhance their personal development and community connection. These include recreational and sports activities and leadership training workshops for adolescents and young people.