Students outside Belmopan Methodist High School in Belize where more classrooms are being built on the second floor of the existing building.
By Judith Santiago
Located on the eastern coast of Central America, Belize is a nation rich in culture and Mayan ruins. But, in regards to education, only 45 percent of youth attend school beyond the primary level. A lack of secondary education is a concern for Lisa Williams, who serves as a volunteer coordinator for the Belize/Honduras District of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and Americas.
She states, “There was a time when Belize had a very high literacy rate as compared to surrounding countries. When Belize became an independent nation in 1981 there was a lack of priority in the new government in regards to secondary school. The country grew and the building of new schools did not keep up, in particular the schools for secondary education.”
But, thanks to last year’s UMC #Giving Tuesday donations made through The Advance to the Belmopan Methodist High School, Advance #3021922, a new high school providing secondary education will soon be completed in Belmopan, the capital city of Belize. The construction of the school will impact approximately 380 children, 20 teachers, including community vendors who market their food items near the school.
