Determining the State of Children in Belize

Elvia Vega

Today at the Radisson, a meeting was held between those in the public sector and the non-governmental organizations who work with children. It’s part of the Children’s Agenda launched back in 2017, which looks at the goods and services provided to children that coincide with their basic rights. So what is the state of children in Belize and are we closing the gaps? That’s what today’s meeting was all about.

Elvia Vega, Minister of State, Ministry of Human Development

“Our focus is on children and families. We are looking to see how is it that all entities can come together, all stakeholders – whether it be government or non-governmental – making sure that we come together and do what’s right for our children. Many times, we look at children and we say they are there to be seen but not to be heard. No. We need to see how we can get children to be respected and to be given the way where they are reach their maximum potential so it’s very important what we are doing here today.”

Duane Moody

“Where are we or what’s the state of children in Belize?

Elvia Vega

“Well we are having various presentations today and we’re looking at the different ministries and looking at where we are, all the work that has been done up to now. I must say that a lot has been done up to now, but there are areas that need to be filled, little gaps.”

Eli Romero, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, NCFC

Eli Romero

“We are looking at what are the goods and services that we are providing to children in terms of their health, education, security, economic security as well. How are children doing in terms of their social spheres? So the children’s agenda looks at their life expectancy, their education and it looks at it under three main areas – the national outcomes, the transformational goals and the implementation arrangements.”