Education
Alaia Hotel launches ‘Waves of Change’ community initiative
The Alaia Belize Hotel in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye has unveiled a community initiative called ‘Waves of Change Towards a Better Belize’ aimed at creating a positive impact on the island community. The program’s first activity included a motivational activity at the San Pedro High School (SPHS) in collaboration with two media personalities from the well-known United States National Basketball Association, Victoria Jacobi, and Ashley Nicole Moss.
Community and Society
Caye Bank and island community contribute to SPHS telethon, raising over $200K toward needed repairs
The San Pedro community and other generous donors came together on Friday, October 27th, to support a fundraiser for the reconstruction of parts of the main building of the San Pedro High School (SPHS). The school administration stated they need $350,000 to complete all necessary repairs in their main building. A telethon held throughout Friday saw donations toward this worthy cause from individuals and stakeholders. One of those stakeholders was Caye International Bank (CIB), who not only made a monetary donation but has created a GoFundMe page to raise funds on behalf of SPHS at https://gofund.me/bbc1c852. At the end of the day, a total of $210,346 was raised in the telethon, a satisfactory amount that will aid in the ongoing works at the school.
Education
MoECST Commences Distribution of 5,000 Chromebooks Donated by the Republic of China (Taiwan)
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) has commenced the distribution of 5,000 Chromebooks donated by the Republic of China (Taiwan). These devices were pledged in April during the State Visit of H.E. Tsai Ing-Wen, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and were recently delivered to the MoECST.
Education
Prime Minister Receives Belize@42 Creative Youth Ideas Summit Outcomes Document
During the Cabinet Meeting on September 26, 2023, Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño was presented the Belize@42 Creative Youth Ideas Summit Outcomes Document by Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Technology.
Education
MED Hands Over Road Safety Toolkits for Schools to MoECST
On September 25, 2023, the Second Road Safety Project, under the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), handed over 400 hundred Road Safety Toolkits to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST). Present at the handing over were Dr. Osmond Martinez, CEO for the MED; Mrs. Dian Maheia, CEO for the MoECST; and Mr. Zane Castillo, Project Manager for the
Second Road Safety Project.
Community and Society
Island students receive school supplies and back-to-school haircuts
The new school year has started, and thousands of students are returning to classes nationwide. The summer break that sees students preparing to return to another school cycle also includes the participation of local non-governmental and governmental organizations assisting the neediest with school supplies and even free back-to-school haircuts. This year, the Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye, the San Pedro Town Council, and other citizen-driven groups assisted island students.
Education
Call opens for Belizean teachers to teach in the U.S.
For over 36 years, teachers from the Caribbean countries including Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica have participated in this program.
Community and Society
Assessment of SPHS main building deems it safe; repairs on certain sections needed
At a meeting held on Thursday, August 31st, at the Angel Nunez Auditorium, the San Pedro High School (SPHS) management provided parents with an update on the structural damages affecting their main building. As per the report provided by Principal Emil Vasquez and the structural engineers, most of the building is in good condition except for three sections needing immediate repairs. These include the staff room, where the ceiling collapsed, and the computer and science lab. As further evaluations are made and plans to raise funds to complete all repairs begin, students will attend the Hon. Manuel Heredia Hall for most classes via a shifting system.
Education
San Pedro’s Dr. Joshua Canul awarded a Chevening scholarship
Dr. Joshua A. Canul is preparing to leave the country to pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the University College London. The British High Commission in Belize confirmed that Dr. Canul was awarded a Chevening scholarship recently to pursue such studies in the United Kingdom (UK). The island doctor has been at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II since 2018, treating San Pedranos with acute and chronic illnesses, among other medical services.
Education
SPHS main building deemed unsafe after staff room ceiling collapses; double shift system to be applied
The new school year is about to start, and some parents in San Pedro Town are concerned about the safety of the San Pedro High School’s (SPHS) infrastructure. Some days ago, it was reported that the staff room’s ceiling on the main building’s third floor collapsed. According to some parents, there have been no updates on the situation or the building conditions, even though classes are commencing on Monday, August 21st. On Friday, August 18th, Principal Emil Vasquez explained that they would not be using the main building and instead host students in another building on campus called Hon. Manuel Heredia Hall and implement a shift system.
Education
Reimagining Education through Social Emotional Learning in the Early Grades
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST), Think Equal Inc. and UNICEF Belize launched the national Think Equal Programme in Belize on Wednesday, August 9th. The ceremony was held in the Toucan Hall at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel in Belize City. Under the theme: ‘Reimagining Education through Social Emotional Learning in the Early Grades’, the joint effort officially introduced the innovative programme to teach social and emotional learning in the early grades.
