Assistance for Belizean Students Abroad

Neulin Villanueva

The Deputy Chief Education Officer Doctor Neulin Villanueva also addressed the matter of Belizeans students who are stuck overseas and unable to return home except under special circumstances, because borders remain closed. Most universities are now doing online studies but costs relating to accommodation still apply for the students on scholarships by the government.  According to Doctor Villanueva, discussions are currently underway to determine how the ministry can help students.

Dr. Neulin Villanueva, Deputy Chief Education Officer. M.O.E.

“I think the first priority for us is the students that we have right now that are on scholarships and grants from us. So we have been discussing how we can continue to support them. Perhaps where the resources might not be there for them to remain in the US with the cost of accommodation and so on a lot of universities are moving courses online so there is a possibility that they would be able to do online which would reduce their cost. And even for our students if there is an opportunity for that then that can be considered. And it is not only for current student. We have a number of scholarships that we offer every year. So we have been discussing well how will we support given perhaps reduced budgets. How do we continue to support tertiary education because it is key to our development?”