Newest NICH book documents life story of Belizean educator
While international experts may determine that far too many Belizeans are living in poverty, there is no denying that as a people, we lead very rich lives that span a wide cross-section of experiences. One man has put pen to paper to document his life stories in the hope that readers will be entertained and inspired.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
?Lessons in Living, Pathways to a Fulfilling Life? chronicles the personal journey of the author William F. Fonseca, affectionately known as Mr. Chi Chi. Fonseca, who is in his eighties, was not able to attend his own book launch today, but his son Attorney General and Minister of Education Francis Fonseca says the publication highlights the experiences and the relationships that his father forged throughout his life. Fonseca says the stories are sure to be an inspiration to all readers.
Francis Fonseca, Son of the Author
?In particular with young people, his experience as a person who has been challenged in life, challenged growing up without a father. Challenged by illness and always not losing hope, always being positive about his own life. I have never seen him complain about anything and always I think the lesson of this entire book or the lesson of his life is one of trying to turn adversity into promise, of turning challenge into hope.?
One person Fonseca reflected on when he thought about writing the memoir is radio personality Donovan Reneau. Reneau is blind but has learned to work with his disability. It is that kind of positive attitude that the author hopes his readers will be encouraged to use to face whatever challenges confront them.
Donovan Reneau, Subject, ?Lessons in Living?
?I feel very inspired to know that Mister Fonseca wrote a bit about my life story and I know it will inspire younger people who had misfortune in their life, probably an accident or whatever the case be they had a misfortune that they could uplift themselves.?
President of the National Institute of Culture and History Yasser Musa says one thing the author is best known for is that he places others first before himself in whatever he does. Musa maintains the book offers the glimpse of a humble man as he narrates his observations, passions, desires, and his deep love for his family, friends, acquaintances, and country.
Yasser Musa, President, NICH
?He has effectively managed to present himself as a witness to the extraordinary lives of others. He shows sincere love, affection, and admiration for the persons he describes as the real heroes of our nation.?
Francis Fonseca
?I think he really felt that he had had so many wonderful, rich experiences in life and had an opportunity to gain great wealth; not material wealth but wealth in terms of friendship, great wealth in terms of the loyalties that he has developed in relationships he has had with people all over this country and though he has been sort of at home for many years because of his own visual impairment, his blindness and more recently his illness, I think he felt at this stage in his life it was an important work for him to do.?
Copies of “Lessons in Living” are available at the Institute of Social and Cultural Research at the House of Culture for only twelve dollars. The book can also be bought from B.C.V.I. and CARE-Belize.
