Deaf students absorbed into Stella Maris

In other education news, a new deaf education unit was inaugurated today at Stella Maris School. The facility, which consists of three classrooms, will accommodate 34 students who were attending the Belize School for the Deaf. Last month the government withdrew its financial support amounting to forty-two thousand dollars per year from the school saying it failed to adhere to approved curricula, was keeping inadequate financial records and employed staff which was not qualified. More damning, however, were allegations of child abuse being made against the principal by former students. He was removed but to date has not been charged with any criminal offense. Principal for Stella Maris, Eleanor Castillo says the new unit, which was created virtually overnight, will allow the students to complete the school year with minimal disruption.

Eleanor Castillo, Principal, Stella Maris School

“Two committees were set up. One looked at the educational impact of what was happening to the students. As a result of that the action committee made decisions that have brought about the fruition of this building. We just started providing services on Monday and they will be continuing their primary and secondary education right here between now to the end of June. In the summer the action committee will sit down again along with parents and discuss how to better organize the program so as to insure that what we have to offer is to their benefit.”

The addition of the 34 students in the new deaf education unit have increased Stella Maris’ enrollment by 50 percent bringing the total to 102 students.