Nearly US$22 million partnership launched to strengthen secondary education in Belize

Belize and the United States officially launched a nearly US$22 million education partnership on October 21st as part of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Belize Compact. The five-year initiative aims to strengthen secondary education by improving teacher training and equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an evolving job market.
The initiative brings together School to School International, Florida State University, the Ministry of Education and the University of Belize. Speaking at the launch, United States Ambassador to Belize Andre Bauer said the program would strengthen teacher training and instructional leadership over the next five years.
“I think this is a win-win partnership for Belize and the United States that bilaterally benefits both countries,” Bauer said. “It is going to benefit Belizean secondary schools, as well as American educational institutions. This is really a remarkable partnership.”
According to Bauer, the American institutions involved will work with the Ministry of Education and the University of Belize to provide secondary school teachers and school leaders with training, resources and leadership opportunities. He said the goal is to deliver high-quality educational opportunities for all secondary students.
Prime Minister Honorable John Briceño also attended the launch, highlighting the compact’s focus on education and energy. “In education, we will strengthen teaching and school leadership, support students who face barriers to completing secondary school and improve technical and vocational training,” he said.
Briceño added that the compact’s energy investments would address electricity costs and reliability, which place pressure on families and businesses.
The government has emphasized that the education initiative will ensure young people in rural communities, students with disabilities and those facing difficult circumstances benefit from the opportunities available. “Their potential is part of Belize’s national wealth,” Briceño said.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation, an independent United States government foreign aid agency, funds the program in partnership with the Government of Belize through a US$125 million grant known as the Belize Compact. The five-year compact was officially launched on September 18th, 2026, and is implemented locally by Millennium Challenge Account–Belize.