[Venezuela] ...to Eradicate Poverty

From Prensa Latina

Caracas, (Prensa Latina) Venezuela began an offensive against poverty, starting the "Negra Hipolita" Mission, which is financially supported by the high profits of oil, like other official social programs there.

The initiative made official on Saturday by President Hugo Chavez is part of a long-term plan to end the paradox of a nation that in spite of being the fifth world oil exporter, has 37 percent of its population living in poverty.

According to estimates released by Chavez in his report to the Parliament last week, 13.3 percent of Venezuelans live in abject poverty, although his government has lowered that rate, which reached 48 percent in 1997.

The purpose now, as the first stage of poverty eradication, is to declare the country free of abject poverty by July 5, 2011, within five years, an objective that can be compared to eradication of illiteracy in the country, which was achieved in two years.

Chavez said it is necessary to “work hard” to achieve that objective, announcing that it goes together with a wide social-program networks to render services to the population like health, education, subsidized food and other aspects.

The Black Hipolita Mission is part of those plans.

It was named after the wet-nurse that breastfed Simon Bolivar, the Liberator, who considered her his black mother.

The new program is also included in Chavez´ government strategy for a better distribution of the country´s profits from oil, currently produced at three million barrels a day.

The project includes creation of the Social Protection Committees, composed of social activists in charge of locating the poor and supervising the solutions.

The plan includes special assistance to street children, adolescents, substance abusers, pregnant minors, and differently-abled people.

The main responsibility was given to the recently created Popular Participation and Social Development Ministry.