Cross International

Knowledge Combats Poverty

In developing countries with high rates of illiteracy, education equips the poor to gain employment and improve their economic condition. The catch: impoverished people do not have the resources to obtain the education they need to climb out of their poverty.

Though a public education is free to children, their families are often too poor to afford the shoes, uniforms, books and supplies they need to send their children to school. When these children grow up without schooling, they never learn to read or write. Their illiteracy hampers their ability as adults to make an adequate income, and perpetuates their poverty.

That is why Cross International Catholic Outreach partners with churches and ministries that offer schooling, literacy and vocational training to the very poor in their communities. Through the gifts of our donors, we work with. . .

Schools providing a Christian education for school-age children and youths. Our support varies from providing textbooks and supplies or sponsoring scholarships, to funding construction of a school building or subsidizing a school's ongoing operation. Cross also supports schools established especially for children who, for political or social reasons, have been denied a public education.

Vocational programs that teach a trade such as carpentry or sewing, so poor men and women can learn employable skills. Depending upon the area and ministry partner, some vocational programs are built into a high school or after-school curricula, some are incorporated into orphanage activities, and still others are offered to adults seeking to improve their circumstances.

Literacy classes that teach adults how to read and write at a level that enables them to learn business principles and start their own enterprise. These are often part of comprehensive self-help programs that help the poor help themselves out of poverty.

Around the world, children and adults are getting the knowledge they need to better their economic condition. We invite you to consider donating toward education programs in developing countries and helping people who are struggling with poverty to have hope for a better future.