1. Barefoot Scholars
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2. WHAT IS CNEWA?
About CNEWA
Catholic Near East Welfare Association is a 501 (c) (3)
corporation and an agency of the Holy See that provides
humanitarian and pastoral support to the churches and
peoples of the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and
Eastern Europe.
CNEWA works with and through the churches of the East
to build the church, help the poor and promote
understanding, justice and peace.
All our work is grounded in the vision that we are believers in
one God, citizens of one world, members of one human
family. Although we’re a Catholic agency, we serve all people,
regardless of religion. Our only criterion in need not creed.
Founded by Pope Pius XI in 1926, CNEWA continues its
special mission under the guidance of Pope Benedict
XVI.
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3. Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most ancient Christian
countries and one of the world’s poorest
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4. Ethiopia ranks 105 out of 109 countries
on the UNDP Poverty Index
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5. Second most populous country
2005 Population in sub-Saharan Africa
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6. 85.2 million
2008 Population
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7. 39 million
Population under 18, in 2004
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8. Average Life Expectancy is 53 years of age
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9. 38% of the population lives below
the basic need poverty line
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10. Close to 78%
of the
population subsist
with less than
$2/day
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11. Only 12% of the
population
has use to
improved drinking
water sources
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12. Ethiopia ranks in
the bottom fifth of
the United Nation’s
2008
Education Index
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13. Only 55%
of girls attend
primary school
vs. 75% of boys
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14. Only 42%
of boys attend
high school
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15. Only 25%
of girls attend
high school
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16. Only 27% of students have access to a secondary
preparatory school within 5 mile radius.

17. Ethiopian children walk for miles in bare feet to attend school
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18. Education is the best tool to combat poverty

19. When a child goes to school, there’s a one-of-a-kind
opportunity to improve his/her life and
help his/her family & community
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20. How can you help?
Take the CNEWA
matching challenge.
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21. Build a School for Barefoot Scholars
Your Gift Will be Matched Dollar-for-Dollar
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