B.E.L. donates new chemistry lab to B.T.C.
It was a prestigious institution that nurtured some of Belize’s finest scientific minds… and if today’s contribution by B.E.L. can be replicated, B.T.C. may one day return to its former glory.
Almost one month ago when we took our cameras inside of what was supposed to have been the chemistry lab of Belize Technical College, we found a very empty and dilapidated room.
Patricia Andrewin, Chemistry Lecturer, BTC
“It has been an exercise in total frustration. You know I vividly remember that year those “A” level exams that I mention, you know, during those exams, when they were weighing, every time they came to the balance, they got a different weight and it was very upsetting. You know you see the students actually panicking and they keep coming back and coming back, they didn’t finish the “A” level practicals because they spent so much time, even though I kept telling them to leave it, just work with… but they just felt that they had to get a result.”
Now with the gift of microscopes, DNA model kits, electronic balances and other equipment, B.T.C.’s Science students are now more optimistic.
Francisco Tsec, Student
“When they told us that we’ll get new equipment and things, we were very happy because as you noticed the last time you come here, the lab was in a very dilapidated and deteriorated state. For the past semester, we were not able to do certain practicals due to the fact that we didn’t have equipments.”
Melvin Pinelo, Student
“We can do more labs, we can further prepare, do more practicals, be more prepared for external exams because in doing more labs, we have a more wider range or enough knowledge of practicals.”
The donation, purchased abroad at a cost of eighteen thousand dollars, came as a result of a casual meeting last year between the college’s chemistry lecturer, Patricia Andrewin and B.E.L.’S financial Manager, Lynn Young. Young, who is a former science graduate of B.T.C., says after a visit to the lab, he was appalled and became committed in seeing that his company would come to the school’s assistance.
Lynn Young, Financial Manager, BEL
“When I attended B.T.C., I practically lived in that lab. I studied all day. I did my experiments there and sometimes we would be studying until one ‘o clock in the nights. We would sleep there sometimes. It was a nice place to be and I think that is one of the reasons why the students in my time did so well.”
For Dr. Cecil Reneau, B.T.C.’s Principal, it is a welcome donation, and a sharp contrast to a situation that occurred in 1992, when two of their best Science teachers left the school to take up employment with who else?… B.E.L. Today, however he had only praise for the company and a new relationship.
Dr. Cecil Reneau, Principal, BTC
“To forge a new partnership with us that in meeting their manpower demands and in them assisting us to meet our instructional demands and needs. That together we can change and create a workforce that is truly national, that is truly productive and that is truly efficient.”
Now that B.T.C.’s Chemistry lab is fully equipped, the college is now looking into the state of the Physics Lab. Word out is that B.T.L. will be taking up that project.
A large part of the technical staffs of both the electric and telephone monopolies claim B.T.C. as their alma mater. And speaking of matters technical, we apologize to viewers for the loss of color during parts of that story.
