The Museum of Belize preserves and displays artifacts that tell tales of our national identity and history. But there is a little known secret about the museum; it is also a center that kids can seek knowledge of art. Twice a week, the museum hosts an after school program that teaches primary school students how to draw and paint. According to Shaunice Heusner, the museum's education assistant, they don't only preserve the past, but also spend time caring for the kids who they hope will have bright futures.


Shaunice Heusner, Research and Education Assistant, Museum of Belize

Shaunice Heusner

"It's just a small exhibit we have every year for the after school art class, but this is the first time we are having it on TV. Every Mondays and Wednesdays at three o'clock the museum holds an art class for the children from the Queen Street Baptist School and St. Mary's school and any other school who want to participate. The children come and Miss Lita Krohn, who is an art director, would teach them some lessons in art-how to draw, make collage and so forth-and I usually assist."

Jose Sanchez

"What different types of works are they doing?"

Shaunice Heusner

"Compilations of their imagination, mosaics, self portraits, collage and portraits of their art teacher. Over on this side, this is the museum. It is a puzzle. Little piece, they would color the tile and then when we put it together, you can see a big image and it's the museum."

Jose Sanchez

"Why was it necessary for the museum to have this after school program?"

Shaunice Heusner

"Well, with crime rates going up these days, it's a good after school something for them to do before they go home and do homework. To keep them occupied and for them to also learn a trait that they don't have to go out on the street."

If you would like your child to become part of the museum's after school art program, you can call Heusner at the museum.

Channel 5