As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio pushed for two educational programs that translate to: 'Neighbors Schoolâ? and 'Sisters School.â? Both of them were combined to make way for 'Scholasâ? . It's a worldwide network of schools and educational centers promoted by Pope Francis, through the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
BISHOP MARCELO SíNCHEZ SORONDO
Chancellor, Pontifical Academy of Sciences
'It's something similar to what we've seen. They are Pope Francis' ideas of helping the poorest of the poor. So children who are on the streets, on the sidewalks and who don't have a formation.â?
Scholas' mission is to link schools and educational networks around the world. The first point is to improve education, especially in low-income communities. Sporting and artistic projects are also part of the program.
BISHOP MARCELO SíNCHEZ SORONDO
Chancellor, Pontifical Academy of Sciences
'Schools help other schools, horizontally. So a school can see if another school has the same project and whether it has more knowledge on the subject. Then it helps the other school that does not have the resources. If they have money, they help with money, if they have educators, they help with information.â?
The project has many special donors, including soccer stars Lionel Messi and Gianluigi Buffon. Both have supported Scholas since it came about in August 2013.
To raise money, they organized the first Inter-religious Match for Peace, which will take place in Rome on September 1st.
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