Recife, 4/7/2004 (Agência Brasil) - A program to combat poverty will benefit 30,000 families who have monthly incomes of up to half a minimum wage (the equivalent of almost US$42) in eleven municipalities in the state of Pernambuco, in the Northeast region of Brazil. The families live in locations with high rates of illiteracy and inflant mortality, and inadequate water and sewage systems.

With a budget of US$17.9 million (R$51.5 million) in funding from federal and state governments, the program will stimulate productive activities, such as fruit farming, in order to create jobs and income. At the same time the program will give participants assistance in the areas of education, health and infrastructure.

The program was launched yesterday by the governor of Pernambuco, Jarbas Vasconcelos. (Translator: Allen Bennett)