Blue Teddy Bear Campaign Expands Child Protection Efforts with Teacher Training Initiative

Press Release, Belize City, Belize. 5 August 2026– The Blue Teddy Bear Campaign entered Phase II of its national child protection initiative, expanding its focus to equip teachers, parents, and students with the knowledge and tools needed to create safer environments for children across Belize.
The new phase was marked by the first teacher training session, bringing together 22 educators from Wesley College, Excelsior High School, and Gwen Lizarraga High School. Today’s training is the second of two groups hosted by the campaign, which brought together 60 teachers from Maud Williams High School, Anglican Cathedral College, and Sadie Vernon Technical High School. The training forms part of a broader effort to strengthen child safeguarding practices within schools and enhance educators’ capacity to identify, respond to, and report cases of child abuse and violence.
Teachers are among the most influential adults in a child’s life and often serve as the first line of defense for vulnerable children. As mandatory reporters under Belize’s child protection framework, they play a critical role in recognizing signs of abuse, taking appropriate action, and ensuring children receive the support and protection they need. Strengthening their understanding of child protection and safeguarding ensures that schools remain safe spaces where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
The training sessions will focus on child protection principles, safeguarding measures, recognizing indicators of abuse, reporting obligations, and practical approaches to supporting children who may be at risk. Through the support of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, a total of 82 teachers will be trained during this phase of the campaign.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment among national stakeholders to prevent violence against children and strengthen systems that protect children’s rights and well-being.
Protection of children is a collective responsibility. Through collaboration with educators, institutions, communities and families, an environment where every child feels safe, heard, respected, and supported can be created.
The Blue Teddy Bear Campaign is an ongoing partnership between the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC), UNICEF, the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, and the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children. The campaign seeks to engage key actors across society in raising awareness and encouraging action to eliminate violence, abuse, and exploitation of children.
Since its launch, the campaign has focused on promoting positive attitudes and behaviors that protect children from harm while encouraging communities to recognize and respond to signs of abuse. Phase II builds on these efforts by targeting adults and institutions that play a central role in children’s daily lives.