Mano Amiga Catholic School in Argentina
Population: 43,431,886
Percent Below Poverty Line: 30%
Argentina has a population of 43 million people – 92% of whom are Catholic! Unfortunately, approximately 12 million of Argentinians – 30% – live below the poverty line. The labor force in Argentina is made up of nearly 18 million people working in agriculture, industry, or services. Phenomenally, on average, Argentina has 98% literacy for men and women! This can only be compared with the average number of years an Argentinian spends in school: 17 years. For so many students, it is truly a blessing to grow up in Argentina, however in rural areas it is much harder to keep the focus on school. Even though education is essential to end the cycle of poverty and help people rise above and beyond the poverty line.