Mission Belize: High School in Belize

Today is our 4th day out at Immaculate Conception School. The painting is coming along, the bike racks are getting finished, and the windows are getting their final touch of paint! While we enjoyed a little glimpse of the sunshine yesterday, we experienced a Belizean downpour today! Some of the teachers were even worried the water was going to come into their classrooms. Thankfully, nothing flooded and we could continue our work...we just got a little wet! The good part abut all of the rain is that no one is sunburned! After school today we are going to go to Miss Erva's restaurant for a cooking lesson and dinner party! After that we are going to go see the Chalk Guy from Florida speak at Sacred Heart Parish. Another missionary group from Wisconsin has brought him along with their group, and we all enjoyed his presentation on Sunday so much, that we are going back on tonight to hear him again! We will give you the details of our exciting evening tomorrow.

Today Kelly and Marguerite share a reflection from listening to Dr. Aird speak about high school in Belize yesterday:

Yesterday we visited Sacred Heart College in San Ignacio. The school is a high school and junior college for the surrounding community. We were privileged to meet Dr. Aird, the president of the school. She provided a glimpse into the reality of education in Belize.

One aspect of Belize education that became apparent is the lack of financial resources and teaching materials. Many of the teachers do a lot of their own fundraising for classroom materials and they have to get creative with their lessons. They are currently building an auditorium, which took six years and a half million dollars. This is possible thanks to the fundraising efforts of the teachers! There are also a lot of issues in the distribution of government funding to the schools. Unlike the U.S., the government in Belize provides funding for all schools, including religious based schools. Most of the schools in Belize are actually religiously affiliated. Unfortunately, because of issues with government funding, some of the high schools may have to close in the future, leaving even more students without the opportunity to attend high school.

Going to high school in Belize is seen as a privilege, one that we take for granted in the United States. Dr. Aird said that the school distributes around 300 acceptance letters, but only 245 are able to enroll at the school. Registration is done on a first come first served basis. So after the 245 spots are full, everyone else is put on a waiting list. Unfortunately this leaves about 1700 students in the Cayo region of Belize who wish to attend high school without the opportunity.

The opportunities for students who don't get a high school education are limited and it is hard for them to provide for a family on the salary they would receive. One of the other realities of life in Belize is that it is hard for may families to pay the tuition for a secondary education. Sacred Heart charges each family about $500 US dollars a year.

Seeing the education in Belize makes us so much more grateful for the education and opportunities we have in the U.S.

Hi Mom and Dad! I am having a phenomenal experience with all the girls and the chaperones. I have become very close with all of the students at Bullet Tree Falls. Thank you so much for sending me on this trip! You're the best,

Love, Marguerite

Hi Mommy and Daddy,

Thanks for the letters (I cried). I've been having a great time here and having so much fun with the kids. Thanks for sending me on this trip! I've been having so much fun with everyone!

Love, Kelly