Belize is a small, often overlooked country in Central America with an incredibly diverse, multilingual community. But for all its rich history and interesting people, Belize’s education system faces some unique problems that result in systemic inequality. 

In Belize, only 45 percent of secondary school-aged children are attending school. Of that group, only 60 percent complete school within the standard K-12 timeframe. Because of slow completion and high dropout rates, many people struggle to transition to the labor market which often affects their overall quality of life. While many privately-run schools in urban areas have better support and resources for their students, public schools in rural communities have lower attendance, completion, and performance rates.

This summer, HXP Builders will work with an overcrowded school in rural Belize that is no longer functional due to poor construction and flooding. The 225-student school is currently renting a nearby space that is financially unstable. Builders will construct two new classrooms that will provide adequate space for students and teaching staff and allow them to move back into their school.  The impact of their efforts will help to balance the student-teacher ratio, keep students involved in positive activities, and increase the quality of education for Belizean children.

Source: Inter-American Development Bank