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Belize |
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Belize is a small country in Central America, on the Caribbean side, lying between 15 and 18 degrees north of the equator. It measures about 174 miles long and 68 miles wide. 15 miles off the coast is the second largest coral reef in the world. In the southern part of the country there are mountains that reach 3,688 feet high. The name was changed from British Honduras to Belize in 1973. It was a British colony from 1862 until 1981, when it gained its independence; therefore the official language is English. Spanish is also common in the north part of the country, which borders Mexico.
The population is about 297,651 with about 70,800 in Belize City, which is only a few inches above sea level. This is part of the reason the Capitol was moved inland to Belmopan. Ambergris Caye (Island) is the major tourist attraction. Another attraction is the many sites of the Mayan civilization, which are being excavated.
Economy: The average income is only $500 per month; cost of living is relatively high so many families live below poverty. Electricity is very expensive, so many things we take for granted are not found in their homes. Phones are not in very many homes. In the southern-most district the child mortality rate (up to 5 years of age) is up to 80%. Promiscuity is common and so is alcoholism, so AIDS is a big problem in Belize.
The sugar cane industry, shops and some crafts are the main type of jobs. Minimum wage is $1.25 per hour for an uneducated work force. Only about 25% of the families in Belize own a car. The locals eat mostly beans and rice, separately or in combination, sometimes with a little chicken, (or pork or beef) in it. Fruit is sometimes accessible.
School System: Over 50% of the population is less than 18 years old. There is no free education in Belize. The government pays the salary for teachers (except for preschool). The churches are responsible for operating the schools. The churches provide the buildings, utilities, uniforms, books, equipment, meals, teaching aids, preschool teachers, etc. The students are charged a small monthly fee; many cannot pay. Most classrooms are over-crowded. Because of poverty, security is an issue for the schools. The school year runs September through the end of June. Devotions and Bible lessons are on the daily schedule, using the denominational resources.
VIM Staff in Belize encourage missions in late fall through early summer in order to avoid Hurricane season. Form more information on any projects listed below please contact the Major Project Leader for Belize, James Powell, at jmpowell@centurytel.net .
Project 1
Name: Trinity Methodist Church School
Location: Belize City
Contact: Carl Smith
011-501-224-4629
Description: Install an ironwork fence with cinderblock base around the school. Also, refurbish playground; build it up and level with dirt,
install an oval track and basketball court.
Project 2
Name: Wesley Methodist Junior High School
Location: Belize City
Contact: James Powell
Description: Expand a room by tearing down a wall to create a larger art room. Materials and assistance will be provided.
Project 3
Name: Belize Prison
Location: Burrell Boom
Contact: James Powell
Description: In 2002 the management of this prison was taken over by a group of local businessmen. New security guards were trained
and hired. The Ashcroft Rehabilitation Center was established and reading and writing programs were put into place. They are
in need of Dental and Medical teams (no prior approval or local credentials needed). They are also looking to set up an
ambulance service for the general population of this area. Their current ambulances are in need of work.
Project 4
Name: Burrell Boom Methodist School
Location: Burrell Boom
Contact: James Powell
Description: Construction must be finished on the home for the school's principal, the school itself and the local church. Teams need to
work with plastering, painting and termite control. Lodging will be at the Belize R Us resort which is within walking distance
of the school.
Project 5
Name: Corozal Methodist Church
Location: Corozal
Contact: Henry Neil
Corozal Cirucuit
Corozal Methodist Mission
P.O. Box 65
Corozal Town
Belize C.A.
011-501-422-2074
Description: In the church the ceiling must be finished, tile floors and windows need to be installed. At the guest house wiring needs to
be installed and there is also some plastering, plumbing and clean up to be done. Housing for teams will be at the Hokol
Kim Hotel which can also provide 3 meals a day for teams.
Project 6
Name: Libertad Methodist School
Location: Libertad
Contact: James Powell
Description: The teacher's cottage needs some fixing up. Opportunities are available to work with the teachers and add to their skills
as well as tutor the students. The school building needs regular upkeep and maintenance and the students need health
screenings. Housing for teams will be at the Hokol Kim Hotel which can also provide 3 meals a day for teams. The best
months to work at this site are November-May.
Project 7
Name: Epworth Methodist Church
Location: Dangriga
Contact: James Powell
Description: The sanctuary requires extensive work including replacing the entire roof and installing one with less of a pitch. The teachers
cottage needs to be gutted and completely redone. Dental teams can also be used in this area.
Project 8
Name: Silk Grass Methodist School
Location: Belize
Contact: James Powell
Description: Medical and Dental teams are need at this school. It serves 284 students.