Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Education

Belize Education Upliftment program comes to San Pedro High School

On March 8th, 2024, Prime Minister Honroable John Briceño announced the Belize Education Upliftment Project (EUP) expansion to include 12 new secondary schools starting in the 2024/25 academic year. The initiative is part of the Belizean government’s educational reform program, “Together We Rise,” which already serves nine schools. San Pedro High School will join the list of schools benefiting from the EUP. The program aims to support government-owned and government-aided secondary schools in promoting continued education in Belize.

First Tour Guide graduation ceremony held for 2024

A group of 36 residents from San Pedro have received their certification from the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) after completing a four-month-long national tour guide training. A brief ceremony to commemorate the accomplishment was held on Friday, March 1st, at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium, with the presence of their family and friends.

Child Stimulation Month begins with Preschool Parade

On Friday, March 01st, island preschoolers, along with their teachers, parents, and guardians, celebrated the great significance of early childhood education with a festive and dynamic parade through the main streets of the Ambergris Caye, signaling the start of Child Stimulation Month. This year's activity embraced the "Magic Garden of Skills, Watch Us Bloom" theme.

Approval of Garifuna Language in Schools Program

The Garifuna Language Commission is proud to announce the Ministry of Education’s approval of the Garifuna Language Curriculum, the related Professional Development Plan, and the implementation of the Garifuna Language in Schools Program. This significant milestone marks a pivotal moment in the preservation and revitalization of the Garifuna language and culture.

Belizean educators teaching in the USA through Participate Learning share their experience

A total of 20 Belizean educators are currently participating in a cultural exchange program with help from Participate Learning. This organization assists Latin-American teachers in teaching in the United States of America (USA), including those from Belize. The program is designed for teachers and allows them to work in American schools for five years. Participate Learning, in Virginia, USA, organized a Belizean media tour to understand and promote this opportunity better.

Area Representative Hon. Perez and SPTC present school bus service for students in northern Ambergris Caye

During a public meeting conducted by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and attended by Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez, a small school bus was presented to serve the students residing in northern Ambergris Caye. The community's parents, situated ten miles north of San Pedro, expressed their gratitude to the local authorities for providing the school bus. The bus is scheduled to begin its transportation service on Monday, February 26th, and onwards.

San Pedro Junior College to implement state-of-the-art online school management system

A new and improved online management system is under development for the San Pedro Junior College (SPJC). The Kreative Online School Management System (KOMS) program aims to enhance educational delivery, improve data security, and ensure secure digital transactions and financial reports. The new technology will enable the school to simplify information, reduce the use of additional resources, and become more efficient in their academic and administrative management.

Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School’s “Yadier Carillo” Wins Annual Spelling Bee Zone Eliminations

On Thursday, February 22nd, the annual Bowen and Bowen Spelling Bee Belize District Zone Eliminations occurred at the Sagebrush Church Auditorium. The event saw the participation of several schools, including The Island Academy, Ambergris Caye Elementary School, Caye Caulker Roman Catholic, Holy Cross Anglican Primary School, Isla Bonita Elementary School, New Horizon Seventh Day Adventist, and San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School. Out of all the participating students, three emerged as the top spellers. Valentina Caliz from Holy Cross Anglican School took the third position, followed by Ryan Sanchez from Isla Bonita Elementary School in the second place. Yadier Carillo secured the first position from the Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School.

SPRCS shows “Love for their Catholic School” during the 2024 Lighthouse Walk

On Friday, February 16th, the San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School (SPRCS) joined the 112 Catholic institutions across Belize for the second annual Lighthouse Walk. The parade started shortly after 9AM under the theme "I love my Catholic School" and was a fundraiser for the Belize Catholic Schools' management.

Compulsory education age in Belize increased from 14 to 16

On Friday, February 2nd, the National Assembly of Belize passed legislation to raise Belize’s compulsory education age to 16. Before this, education was mandatory for children between five and 14 years of age. The Education and Training Act of 2011 amendment means that children will be legally required to remain in school until they’re 16.

Latin educators pursue a master’s degree in the U.S. while experiencing teaching abroad

This 2024 could be the year for Belizean educators to achieve the goal of obtaining a master's degree in U.S. universities while living the experience of teaching in North America, as others Latin educators have done, thanks to the Participate Learning program's call for applications.