Parents improve skills at Family Court

The
art of being a good husband, wife and parent is something that most of
us think comes naturally. But judging from the rate of divorce, abandonment
and abuse in Belize, it appears that a little bit of education on the
subject would go a long way. And that’s just what Ann-Marie Williams found
out this afternoon.

Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
This may not be graduation season, but the ceremonies held for parents
this afternoon was worthy of any commencement exercise at SJC gymnasium.
Seven parents, six women and one man took two hours out their busy schedules
every week for four months to learn more about raising children, sex and
sexuality, gender, money management and contraception. Today they received
their certificates.

Guest speaker was UNICEF Representative Miguel Ugalde, who reminded the
participants of the crucial role the family plays in nation building.

Miguel Ugalde, UNICEF Representative
“The family is the most fundamental resource for human society and
guaranteeing the transfer of the resources through generations is fundamental
to the notion of sustainability. The present generation of guardians for
this programme of training have a responsibility to provide a healthier,
most secure environment for the family, and to act out its central goal
in human society and to practice everything that they learned.”

Of the individuals who started back in July, only seven, stayed to course.
One woman did so, despite some stiff odds.

Naomi Burn, Ladyville Resident
“It takes a little extra time, the walk and the bus and making sure
you have child care. But its important because its worthwhile to do something
to improve yourself and improve you family.” Ann-Marie Williams
“You were also pregnant too, an extra burden.”

Naomi Burn
“Yes, actually I missed the last few weeks of the class because I had
my daughter at that time, but she was big enough for me to come and be
here today. But you need that inspiration anyway.”

Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.

Today’s self enhancement programme for parents was held under the
auspices of the Belize Family Court and UNICEF.