UB & NICH Sign M.O.U.
The University of Belize and the National Institute of Culture and History signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on matters of education, history and culture. The agreement has been in the pipeline for some time, but with the University on the verge of implementing new programmes, the formalizing of the collaboration is right on schedule for the upcoming roll out. The M.O.U. that was signed in Belmopan on Tuesday is described as a leap forward in education and research in Belize. News Five’s Andrea Polanco reports.
John Morris
Dr. John Morris, Director, Institute of Archaeology
“The University of Belize will not and cannot move forward unless it embraces an understanding of what entails the culture of Belize. We have a nation culture policy that should be forefront in terms of the activities that he University of Belize does. And likewise, NICH should also include the University of Belize in many of its activities. Because, why do you preserve culture? Why do you document culture? Why do you research culture? It is so that you can disseminate that education. It is knowledge and knowledge and education are very important for our country, for our national identity and for empowering the growth of our nation.”
Andrea Polanco, Reporting
And that is why the University of Belize and the National Institute of Culture and History signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday. The commitment to establish an institutional cooperation is because the entities will be partnering to make research and education more dynamic. It is a collaboration that will see resources, knowledge, data and information shared between the two institutions. President of University of Belize, Clement Sankat says the partnership will help to enrich culture and history in Belize.
Clement Sankat
Clement Sankat, President, University of Belize
“For me, the university is always a place that has a strong theoretical bias. On the other hand, NICH is a place with a very applied, outgoing, practical perspective. I see NICH as the perfect laboratory for the University’s programmes in history, for example, and the news one that we are dreaming big about – archaeology, anthropology, taking history beyond history. And I see NICH as the place for this laboratory for our students. Whether it is on your touristic sites or archaeology sites, but it is not just about the history and archeology, but it’s also the arts and culture.”
President of NICH, Sapna Budhrani says that this MOU will not only help strengthen common interests and missions of UB and NICH, but ultimately help in nation building.
Sapna Budhrani
Sapna Budhrani, President, NICH
“Approximately two years ago, NICH successfully launched the cultural policy of Belize and according to the policy education has a critical and irreplaceable role in developing creative imagination not only for artistic interest but for problem solving in general. Moreover, education develops self-reliance and awareness of the social and economic opportunities that cultural heritage provides. This MOU will promote and enhance the relationship between NICH and UB and assist both NICH and UB to achieve their respective objectives and aid in nation building and instill pride in our country.”
Reporting for News Five, I’m Andrea Polanco.
