Hijos de
Venezuela Mission underway
CARACAS, December 12.—President Hugo Chávez of
Venezuela has signed into law the Gran Misión Hijos
de Venezuela (Children of Venezuela Grand Mission),
a social program whose central objective is to
eradicate extreme poverty in the country.
|
Pregnant women will be the first to benefit
from the mission. (Photo: El Universal)
|
During an event marking the start of the mission,
in the Concepción Palacios Maternity Hospital annex
in the capital, Chávez recalled that through similar
implemented initiatives, the Revolution has achieved
a 63% reduction in Venezuela’s extreme poverty rate.
The President confirmed that of the five million-plus
citizens living in extreme poverty 13 years ago,
2,540,000 currently remain in this situation and the
program being implemented is directed toward them,
PL reports.
"I wanted this mission to be framed within a law
so that it is established as legislation; it’s much
more than a social program," he stated.
Chávez urged pregnant women to register for the
mission, as they will be the first to receive its
benefits.
The Venezuela President explained that the Gran
Misión Hijos de Venezuela, which began December 12
in 12 states and in the capital district, also
provides training for work and guarantees the
incorporation into the education system of those
receiving economic assistance through the program. "This
is a revolutionary and just law," he observed.
Chávez added that the mission’s legal framework
also stipulates the creation of a higher body, which
he is to head, with Yadira Córdova, vice president
for the social sector, as its coordinator.
