We Need Your Support
Corozal Belize Ministries is providing scholarships enabling children to continue their education beyond grade school. We are helping the village schools with repairs, supplies, and more so they can give their children an education that allows them to compete at the high school level and beyond. While working with the schools, Corozal Belize Ministries sees needs within the villages and meets the needs of the more desperate families.
Scholarships
4th Form (9th – 12th Grade)
The government of Belize provides an education for children through what we call 6th grade. Many families in rural villages simply cannot afford to keep their children in school. Corozal Belize Ministries works with a local organization called Corozal Christian Scholarship Program. Working together with family, friends, and churches, the program has grown to where it has been providing nearly 150 scholarships to attend 4th Form (9th-12th grade). We also provided scholarships that allowed a few of our outstanding graduates go on to a 2-year college or nursing school. We have a goal of doubling the number of scholarships in just 3 years. About $300 dollars USD allow a child to stay in high school for a year – only $1,200 one time or in annual payments helps a child finish high school.
6th Form (Junior College)
Each year, Corozal Belize Ministries is able to provide a few college-level scholarships. Due to the generosity of our donors, three college scholarships will be provided in the coming year. College degrees can give students an amazing opportunity by helping them establish careers that will bring them and their families out of poverty. Our average scholarship is $2,200 per year, which covers tuition and also helps with books.
School Support
Corozal Belize Ministries has found that the village elementary schools need support so that its scholarship recipients can better compete at the high school level. We are currently working with 19 of the 38 elementary schools serving nearly 5,000 students in 19 villages. These schools lack sufficient supplies, technology and even playground equipment. They are in disrepair. We are providing computers, assistance with repairs, library books, and more to restore these schools.
Fortunately, they have passionate teachers committed to their education, but they need a helping hand.
Fulfilling The Vision
Together, we can restore the 19 schools and enable 5,000 children to complete their high school education.
Community Projects
While Corozal Belize Ministries is working with the schools, it often sees needs in the villages. We have built homes for families in desperate need, provided running water for a single mom, built tire gardens and chicken coops for widows without support.
Other examples how we are helping include:
A Church for Fire Burn
Fire Burn is a remote island with a population of about 30. It’s a 2-3 hour trip from Corozal, including two ferry rides, a boat ride across the lagoon, and a 15 minute hike through the jungle. The people of Fire Burn wanted a church. The land was generously donated, and Corozal Belize Ministries began helping the people build a 24′ x 24′ structure. This church is completed and now serving the people of Fire Burn.
Louisville Preschool
The walls of a preschool in the small village of Louisville were at risk of falling in on the children as they worked to learn. Through the generous support of our donors we were able to help provide a facility that is now safe for the children.
The Women of San Pedro Village
Seven women of San Pedro Village needed help creating a shared space for a variety of businesses that would help them by adding to their family income. First ,we added a main building, and later we were able to add a kitchen and bathroom facilities. This space is now completed and serving the businesswomen of San Pedro Village.
Canning
The availability of fruits and vegetables ranges from feast to famine in Belize. We found people in the rural villages lacked the skills and equipment to preserve foods. We began to train people on canning and preserving techniques. Our pilot project took canning to three schools where the facilities and conditions were well-controlled. Though it was great for the students, we quickly learned how much the women in the villages want to learn too. Another team headed back to teach the women and provide basic supplies, so they are able capitalize on seasons with high crop yields. Our next trip will focus on training so they can begin teaching one another.