Projects in Belize

Youth in Development

In 2023, Peace Corps Belize and the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport’s National Sports Council signed a memorandum of understanding to collaboratively address the youth sports development needs of Belizean youth ages 6 to 14 under the Youth Empowered by Sports (YES) Project. Youth Development Volunteers will work alongside youth and sports organizations (government and non-governmental) and support the development and sustainability of school-based sports clubs in preparation for national primary school sports tournaments.

Project goal: Belizean youth lead empowered lives and are supported in realizing their full potential.

Through working with youth, service providers, parents and caregivers; we aim to

• strengthen the life skills of youth
• increase the skills of youth service providers to effectively implement positive youth development programs
• increase the skills of parents/caregivers to communicate with youth and promote their participation in life skills and sports activities

Youth Development Volunteers are trained to promote authentic engagement, collaborative problem-solving and knowledge exchange with their community and school-based counterparts. They carry out activities that support host country priorities, complement a national youth sports development strategy, and support the Peace Corps’ approach to development work.

Education

Peace Corps Belize offers opportunities for Peace Corps Response Volunteers to undertake short-term, high-impact service assignments. Response Volunteers are expected to possess the technical skills needed to fulfill their assigned role with minimal training.

In partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Technology (MoECST), Response Volunteers are driving impactful initiatives in early childhood literacy; special education (SPED); and science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Through knowledge exchange, collaborative problem-solving, and skill-sharing, Response Volunteers work alongside ministry officials and school-based counterparts to transform teaching and learning in Belize (strategic goal No. 2).

Early Childhood Literacy

To ensure that every Standard 1 (U.S. grade 2) student is reading at grade level

Special education

To support teachers in ensuring all Belizean children have access to quality education by equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to address the diverse physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of students.

STEAM

Through targeted coaching and instructional support in STEAM methodologies, equip educators with the tools and strategies to foster student engagement, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Peace Corps Belize's collaboration with the ministry reflects our commitment to a holistic, sustainable approach—one that values stakeholder insights, fosters professional growth, and strengthens education in literacy, SPED, and STEAM. Together, we are shaping a future where every child in Belize has the opportunity to learn, create, and thrive.