AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye The children of Belize

Sorry to put a damper on your idea of the smiling children. What you have to understand is that education is not free in Belize and a lot of kids are happily playing,fishing, doing whatever because their parents can't afford to send them to school or supervise them, because they are too busy trying to make a living and the kids are doing what kids love most, play! And unfortunately a lot of them grow up and can't get a job and become the "beach bums" you sometimes complain about. That said, yes, Belizian kids are generally happy, loved and adorable, school or no school!

Every kid on Ambergris Caye has an equal opportunity to attend school. If their parents can't afford to pay for uniforms and books then Lions or someone else will cover their costs. No kid is ever left out.

That may be true in San Pedro. But the latest figures I've seen for Toledo indicate that about one-half of kids there don't even finish primary school. Half of the teachers in Toledo district haven't gone beyond high school themselves.

And there are a lot of kids around Belize who don't have the money for uniforms and books, especially beyond primary school.

There are about 85,000 kids in schools at all levels in Belize, including something like 65,000 in primary and 13,000 or 14,000 in high school.

The situation in Belize is certainly better than in a lot of countries in the region, but the situation varies around the country.

--Lan Sluder

Beautiful obersrvations all around.
I have always noticed that the children in poorer countries shine with a special internal light as they walk hand in hand with their siblings unlike here in the US where sibling rivialry is the resounding norm. Having too much, seems to create more divisiveness than unity. I can only imagine the light upon light that shines if these unspoilid children are also given appropriate oppertunities. You have a gift to get to have the chance to be a part of such beauty although the work is difficult and far from done.
I have been looking into starting a craft business in Belize and since my youngest child is currently a freshman in High School, his education is appearing to be a primary issue to my timing.
- Mim

Jesse, maybe you can get the word out to the parents that are not aware that they can get help. Because a lot of them don't know that they can and would love to see their kids in school.

If you know about kids not in school why don't you help them get enrolled?

Believe you me I have tried and with no luck! You seem to know things I don't so I thought you might be a better person for the job.

Phone me and I'll tell you how.

Wow, Suzy Q, so funny you say that about the kids. On our second day on the island I turned to my husband and said, "Is it just me or does it seem like the children here smile more than the kids we see at home?" (We don't have any yet) Made me think a lot about all the "stuff" we have here, as well as all the pressures. I think a big part of our pressure is how to be able to get our hands on more stuff! I will carry that experience with me for life.

For more on San Pedro's kid's, visit our website.

www.sanpedrosc.org