Brazil on Wednesday marked the 10th anniversary of a key poverty reduction program, with President Dilma Rousseff vowing to "sweep poverty out of our country."

The program, called Bolsa Familia, or Family Pocketbook, was introduced by former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who joined Rousseff at a ceremony.

The initiative basically aids poor households with a government cash subsidy, while the recipients have to keep their children in school in return.

Hailing it as a "simple" but effective idea, Rousseff said the effort has not only helped reduce poverty, but also contributed to the country's economy.

"Never before has a program boosted the economy so much: For each real invested in the program, the impact on GDP is 1.78 reals," the president said.

The program currently aids up to 14 million Brazilian households and, according to Rousseff, has since its launch helped lift 36 million Brazilians out of poverty.

The president dismissed criticism of the program, saying only those who do not understand or do not want to understand how the Bolsa Familia works criticize the initiative.

She added that the program will exist as long as there is poverty in Brazil.