Intl Women’s Club of Belize donates building to PACSN
It’s a non-governmental organization assisting parents of children with disabilities that has been around for more than a decade. It is the Parental Association for Children with Special Needs which is currently run by 2008’s Unsung Hero, Hector Romero and today with the help of Cisco Construction, Johnson International, the International Women’s Club of Belize and private sponsors, PACSN opened a research centre at the corner of Apple Star and Dungeon Drive. According to Romero it took the organization approximately five years to acquire the wooden structure located behind the old teacher’s college.
Hector Romero, President, PACSN
“The resource center is going to be used for children with special needs and parents. Basically, parents can go directly to this place and try to get the information that they need in order to cope with their child and see how we can help them in order to facilitate any medical assistance through our network.”
Duane Moody
“How long has PACSN been active?”
Hector Romero
“PACSN has been active for twelve years I believe it is. I’m not too sure but I’ve been an active member for ten years ago—eleven years ago actually.”
Duane Moody
“This is going to be the research center. Where is the actual headquarters or the office for PACSN?”
Hector Romero
“This is gonna be all in one. We’re gonna conduct our meetings here and any other activities from here. If you notice, the land is partially filled. We hope to expand, this is just the beginning; this is just the cornerstone for our project to take off.”
Duane Moody
“What is PACSN’s role?”
Hector Romero
“PACSN is here to make sure that nobody tries to take advantage of your kids; that’s number one. And also inclusion is one of the goals that we have. For the last five years, we see more kids being included into regular schools which is a big plus in education and with this government, I hope they continue that effort that no child should be left behind regardless of their condition. PACSN is there to guarantee that each child is given an equal opportunity as well as in the workplace.”
Lourdes Gallaty, Member, Int’l Women’s Club of Belize
“We were looking for a project that would be something different and make a big difference. We did a bit of research and we ended up with this project for PACSN through Mr. Romero’s response to what we were asking for and he cam eover and we thought this was it; this would make a big difference to the community to bring awareness to disability. So we started fundraising and a few years later this is the result of it.”
The building will serve as a multipurpose facility. And if anyone would like to assist PACSN they can contact Romero at 223-4807 or 667-5066.
