Following the announcement of the suspension of U.S. foreign aid spending on Friday January 24th, Dani Villanueva, SJ General Coordinator of the International Federation of Fe y Alegría, sent the following call for solidarity to their international network and its supporters. His letter clarifies that Fe y Alegría relies predominantly on local governmental funding but also highlights the role that international solidarity has in the reach and impact of the movement.
American Jesuits International, in coordination with the Xavier Network, is working to animate supporters to provide emergency aid for Jesuit programs, including Fe y Alegría which have been impacted by the suspension of U.S. foreign aid.
Bogotá, February 3, 2025
Dear Friend,
On January 24, the United States government announced the immediate suspension of foreign aid funding, which has had a severe impact on Fe y Alegría’s work in El Salvador, Paraguay and Honduras. This decision directly affects us, forcing us to interrupt work with more than 16,300 people in early childhood programs, formal and non-formal education, psychosocial support, school meals, and job training. Additionally, if we do not secure extraordinary support, this situation will lead to the dismissal of nearly 200 members of our teams.
Fe y Alegría, an international movement for popular education, is obliged to highlight the impact of such measures. This sudden suspension of funding not only has immediate economic consequences but also represents a profound challenge to the principles of solidarity and justice that we believe should guide all global action. Our work as an educational network on the front lines is fundamental in defending the right to quality education for all—a form of education that drives social transformation in the communities we serve. Our primary funding has always been local, as national governments should be responsible for and guarantors of educational systems. However, we also believe that in areas of extreme vulnerability, the international community has a responsibility to protect and ensure essential rights such as education, health, and a healthy environment. These global public goods transcend borders and are the responsibility of all humanity.
That is why we are writing to you today. We need the support of the international community to continue our work at least for the coming months while our Fe y Alegría organizations seek alternative funding sources.
As we navigate this unexpected crisis, we hope it is possible to restore the long tradition of solidarity with the most vulnerable populations that the United States has long upheld, supporting millions of people in their fight against poverty, expanding access to education, and improving healthcare for individuals and communities around the world.
At the same time, Fe y Alegría, as an international movement of the Church, assumes its role as an agent of social transformation, promoting human dignity, justice, and citizen participation. Therefore, we reaffirm our commitment not only to education that transforms lives and historically marginalized communities but also to contributing to the construction of inclusive public policies and more open, equitable, diverse, and participatory societies.
We deeply appreciate any help you can provide to sustain the programs and teams affected by this crisis.
Dani Villanueva, SJ
General Coordinator
International Federation of Fe y Alegría
