Vatican foundation approves development projects for Latin America

(Aug.11,2009) A Vatican foundation has approved funding for 193 development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean, most aimed at protecting the economic well-being of indigenous farmers. The projects, with a total cost of 2.1 million dollars, were approved by officials of the "Populorum Progressio" Foundation, at their annual meeting in Paderborn, Germany, at the end of July. The foundation was established in 1992 by late Pope John Paul II to assist the indigenous and poor farm workers of Latin America. The projects include initiatives in health care, education and professional training.
The meeting focused in particular on the situation in Honduras and other countries in the region that are experiencing social tensions. In a statement, the foundation noted that indigenous peoples and small-scale farmers still represent a high percentage of the population in Latin America. "The rapid process of urbanization on the continent and the imposition of the post modern culture, have isolated these peoples from the social context and from the development that others have been able to enjoy," it said. As a result, the indigenous peoples have often been marginalized and, in many cases, have been unjustly deprived of their land, it added.
The "Populorum Progressio" Foundation works with the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the Vatican's office for promoting and coordinating charity.