Belize Branch teachers hit streets to continue public education campaign

After an early morning meeting at their headquarters, about one hundred members of the Belize District Branch of the Belize National Teachers’ Union headed out on foot into Southside Belize City. They were out to continue their public education and awareness campaign, on this, the seventh day of industrial action which commenced last Monday. There was no evidence of flagging spirits or complacency by the teaching corps. And according to educator Ryan Elijio, today is another extension of their jobs.

Ryan Elijio, Teacher

Ryan Elijio

“We are coming to meet the community, to share the information with them because we don’t want to leave them in the loop. Many times they are saying they have to see everything on news, so what we are doing now, as teachers, we are coming out and bringing the information to them.”

Aaron Humes

“Do you consider this part of your remit, what you do inside the classroom and so on?”

Ryan Elijio

“Yes, because at the end of the day we keep singing it: teaching is not just in the classroom. Teaching is in the community, we have to bring it to their homes, and break it down for them, small, small, small, so that they can understand. You see, the Government will put the information out there and they will use big words and things you don’t understand. So what our job is as a teacher now, we need to break down it for you so you can understand, you can judge and see what is happening in your country.”

The group of teachers visited the entire length of Central American Boulevard and some Southside neighbourhoods.