Our Belize Community - Marina Kay

The Island Newspaper, Ambergris Caye, Belize            Vol. 17, No. 18            May 3, 2007

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This past week, pre-schools in San Pedro found a way to incorporate the parent in their child’s education. Pre-school teachers have learned that with the help of parents a child can accomplish much more and go further in their education than before. Not only do the teachers ensure that the child is having fun while learning at school but also make certain that they follow the requirements set by the Belize Pre-School Unit. This week we are pleased to introduce the principal of Little Angel’s Pre-School – Mrs. Marina Graniel Kay.

    On February 24th, 1974, Maria and Baldemar Graniel celebrated the birth of their first child, who they christened Marina Graniel. Marina enjoyed a happy childhood growing up with her sisters, Yvette and Fatima, and brother Baldemar Jr. She attended San Pedro Roman Catholic School and San Pedro High School, graduating as an Academic student in 1991. Following high school, Mrs. Graniel moved to Belize City where she enrolled in a six-month course at Glessima Computer School. Upon her return to San Pedro, she was hired as a clerk at a money exchange office; a job she held for one year. Not convinced that this was the right career move for her, Marina went in search of other opportunities and was hired as a sales clerk by Out Island Divers. Although Marina spent two years with this company she was still not certain that this was her calling.

    While searching for that ideal job, Marina discovered that what she was looking for was right in front of her. Throughout this time, she had been helping her mother take care of young children and realized that she enjoyed this immensely. In 1995, Marina made her dreams come true by opening her own day care center with a total of ten children, from newborn to eight-years-old. Marina’s maternal instincts came naturally and this endeared the children making them feel right at home with her.

    As time went by, more and more parents entrusted their children to Marina and some even suggested she open a pre-school so that older kids could prepare for school. After giving a lot of thought to this suggestion, Marina was convinced that this plan was indeed a good one. To prepare for this new business venture, Marina attended a three-week training seminar with the Belize Pre-School Unit. In September of 1996, Marina successfully opened the doors of Little Angel’s Pre-School with a total of 40 pupils. With the aid of other teachers and assistants, Marina Kay continues to provide pre-school education to many children of the island. In order to accommodate the growing number of students, in 1997 she relocated her school to the center of town, making it more convenient for parents to transport their children to and from school.

    From her teenage years, Marina has been very involved in the community. She was an active member of the San Pedro Leo Club, and in 1992 was crowned Miss San Pedro Leo Queen. Just one year later she represented the San Pedro Lions Club in the Belize Lions District 59 Convention in San Estevan, Orange Walk District.

    Marina says that, although she is very satisfied with her pre-school, she hopes to reopen a day care center in the near future. “I love working with children,” stated Marina. “I believe this is hereditary because everyone in my family likes children. I know this is the right job for me because although I held various posts, none gave me the satisfaction I get from working with children,” Mrs. Kay ended.

    On October 28th, 1995 Marina joined her life in marriage to Roman Kay and together they have one son, Ismael. In her spare time, Marina relaxes by going to the beach with her family where they can enjoy a good time together.

    Marina’s dedication and great patience with children have allowed her to experience ten graduating classes so far. Today, she is content with her career choice-teaching and touching the lives of many young minds in “Our Belize Community.”



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