On March 30, 2021, the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) hosted a virtual exit workshop.
This workshop is the culmination of the Youth and Community Transformation (YCT) Project and the Youth Resilience and Inclusive Social Empowerment (YRISE) Project that were implemented over the past six years with the aim of reducing vulnerability and enhancing the resilience of children, youth and families. The purpose of the workshop was to deliver results on the evaluation of outputs and outcomes of the projects, assess the challenges, highlight lessons learnt, and share the successes achieved through these projects.
The YCT Project targeted individuals from Southside Belize City. A total 4,560 children directly benefitted from this initiative, while 4,690 children ranging from ages six to 17 years from San Ignacio/Santa Elena and Dangriga have benefitted from the YRISE Project. Beneficiaries have improved their literacy level and gained much needed employability training and skills. Over 790 students received financial assistance for primary and secondary education and completed vocational training programs. Additionally, three community infrastructures were improved under the projects and are now serving the communities.
Participating agencies include the Community Policing Department, Samuel Haynes Institute of Excellence, Young Men’s Christian Association, Belize Friends School, Delille Academy, St. Ignatius High School, Cornerstone Foundation, Community Rehabilitation Department, Department of Youth Services and Belize Family Life Association.
Approximately BZ$7,843,847 was invested through the CDB and BZ$2,730,532 by the Government of Belize for the YCT Project. The YRISE Project was supported by CDB with BZ$2,183,020.01 while the Government of Belize funded BZ$113,938.70.
