Peace Corps celebrates anniversary with open day
For a number of years now the United States Peace Corps has been a constant presence in Belize, working in many different facets of Belizean life in both rural and urban settings. Today they gave a rare look into the work they are doing around the country and Julietta Burrowes was among those who stopped in at their open day.
They are forty seven strong and their presence is felt from the Rio Hondo to the Sarstoon. They are the men and women of the Peace Corps. In the early sixties, Belize was one of the first countries to request assistance from the organization.
Sandy Roter, Co-Director, Peace Corps
“When we first began we were primarily in education as teachers in primary schools as well as world community development. We are now involved in many more activities including environmental education, we are involved in teacher training, we are involved in public health services and most particularly in youth programs: youth counseling, youth organizing, assisting at risk youngsters in a variety of ways.”
The volunteer program of the Peace Corps also offers assistance in new fields such as developing revenue generating activities for Non-Governmental Organizations. NOPCA and the Ministry of Youth are only a few agencies that are reaping the benefits of the expertise that is being offered by these trained volunteers.
Louise Smith, Youth Development Director
“This year we have one counselor and a Peace Corps working in the Agriculture Center at the Belize Youth Development Center. The two Peace Corps this year and last year have helped us improve our management systems at the two systems and on a whole have made great contributions to the department itself.”
Lorna McDougal, Director, NOPCA
“We had those who were involved in the field of counseling not only to clients that came to NOPCA but also at the St. Catherine?s Academy, they lended their support to the counseling group there, the Y.W.C.A., and they also worked with the school based programs. They were the ones that were responsible for the youth side for the program.”
Beverly Smith Lopez, Director of Culture
“Belize was the first country to even request technical theater assistance from the Peace Corps and for example, Elizabeth Leigh who is a technical coordinator that we have at this moment, has been really training people in theater, in technicians, lights and sound and truthfully this is entirely new. We have trained technicians now, they are certified and it’s important that when you go to a show it is complete.”
The Peace Corps has served Belize for over thirty years and if we have our way, they are not going anywhere soon.
Sandy Roter
“Peace Corps is changing and evolving as needs present themselves so that though we are no longer needed for example as teachers in the classroom, some of the social ills that every urban area has, and we have to be sure in the States as well, present themselves in Belize. So if we can help with unemployment, high drop-out rates, with literacy then we will be here as is present trying to assist them.”
And most will agree that that assistance is most needed. Julietta Burrowes, for News Five.
