In fighting poverty and inequality, the following are crucial:
The Church considers it vital to defend the weak and to help the poor. Of the world’s population, more than a billion people live in extreme poverty, i.e. have a daily income of less than one euro. Because poverty is largely passed on from generation to generation, it also increases inequality.But poverty can be fought. For example, in many cultures women are in charge of the family and the home, meaning that they spend a great deal of time fetching water and collecting firewood over long distances. If these women can spend less time doing these chores, they have more time to earn an income.
Millions of adults cannot read. This makes it all too easy for others to trample on their rights.In developing countries, more and more children can now attend school – but not all. Moreover, many children can only attend primary school. Especially vulnerable are girls, the disabled and minorities, all of whom are already at a disadvantage in society.Education creates the foundation for a good life. Missionary work has awarded many children and adults the chance to study, and the literacy work conducted by local churches and supported by international organisations has taught illiterate adults to read and given them new professions.