Education - Channel 5 Belize

MoE Official Says Teachers’ Accreditation Requirement is Not New

There is a shortage of primary and secondary school teachers in some districts ahead of the new school year. In some cases, schools have placed advertisements for vacancies they hope can be filled soon after classes resume on Monday. Teachers have resigned for several reasons, including better paying jobs, teaching opportunities closer to home. In one instance, the Belize National Teachers’ Union blamed the ministry for not having sufficient staff on hand to process the volumes of certificate for teachers who have completed the requisite number of hours of training. News Five has reached out to the Ministry of Education for a response to the problem. Today, Chief Executive Officer, Dian Maheia explained that the requirement for teachers to complete a hundred and twenty hours of continuous professional development over the course of five years, to renew their license, is one that has been in place for several years. What’s new is the fact that it is being enforced.

Dian Maheia, Chief Exec. Officer, Min. of Education

“Teachers who receive their licenses in 2019 are now having to renew. It’s five years later, so we, by our accounts estimate that there’s some twenty-three hundred teachers. It’s in that range – I’m sorry – I don’t have the exact number, but it’s a number in that range. About twenty-three hundred teachers across the country who will have their licenses expiring August 31, 2024, what we’ve seen from our work is that we have about twenty-one hundred of those teachers who have completed the requirements, and their licenses have been renewed and processed. It’s like eighty-eighty percent of them. There’s another group. That’s about nine percent, I think it’s something like two hundred or so or a little bit less. Those are in process still. They’re either being reviewed still or the teachers are completing the hundred and twenty-hour assignment. For whatever reason, those are in process from the numbers that we have the indication that we have. There’s only about three percent of teachers who have not submitted applications for their license renewal. At this time, we’ve been working in collaboration with the BNTU. They’ve been very consistent in updating their surveys and sending to us at the ministry the lists of teachers who have questions, concerns. Regarding the reports that they’ve gotten from the TLI or not gotten from the TLI so that with the list of names that we get from the BNTU, our respective units are doing the reviews and the checks so that we make sure that if there’s if there’s something that we’re missing but the union is getting feedback from that particular teacher that we’re trying to respond to ensure that we’re, responding to the needs. I think it’s like between 80 to 90 percent of the workshop offerings that are being given right now and the ministry’s offerings are free teachers do have options to do CPDs from other providers and some of those other providers do charge when, when we started the T.L.I as a platform to offer CPD. Three years ago, the very act of starting the T.L.I really review revolutionized how professional development was being offered for the first time. Teachers didn’t have to travel. They didn’t have to, you know, physically leave where they were. To go to sit in classrooms in other places for eight hours a day for five hours a week, only two weeks of the year. So teachers have had opportunities over the past few years to engage in different kinds of courses, and at different times of the year. And in general, what we’ve seen in feedback from the majority of teachers is that they have made use of the varied forms and the times in which they were able to access those CPDs.”

C.E.O. Says Teacher Shortage is a Problem Across the Globe

Maheia explained that the ministry has made alterations to ensure that the certificates are processed as quickly as possible so that teachers can receive their licenses. Furthermore, in respect of the shortage of teachers created by teachers migrating or moving to other fields of work, there’s not much that the ministry can do. C.E.O. Maheia assured us that there are also newly trained teachers who will be looking for teaching jobs and can fill the posts.

Dian Maheia, Chief Executive Officer, Min. of Education

“What we’ve recognized is that and this has been over the past few months, we’ve recognized where there have been bottlenecks. Indeed, there have been challenges within the system and. Within the ministry itself, we have made adjustments. We have made changes in some of our offices. We have increased staff, um, some temporary personnel. We’ve, deployed people with different responsibilities to try to ensure that some processes recognizing that. There would be a really intense period now leading to the end of August and to the opening of school, um, because we would have over 2000 teachers who would need to renew licenses. We made some adjustments already. And so I think the recognition that there have been bottlenecks is accurate. We recognize that as well the union knows because we’ve sat in conversations and we’ve talked about it. We made commitments to adjust staffing and procedures and we’ve done those things so that we could it. So we could process a little bit faster, and we could try to move, um, more efficiently. So, yes, we’ve recognized, we’ve made adjustments and we’re continuing to process as quickly as possible. The truth is that there are there are vacancies right now. The data that we’ve collected shows that there are vacancies right now. Um, for example, with the secondary level, there’s vacancies for part-time as well as full-time positions, looking at both government and government aided. What we see is that from the point that was made earlier, there is, there is a very large vacancy for teachers of English. That’s where the biggest gap is right now. We recognize that. So that is a real situation right now in secondary schools. We’re trying to see how we can support the management with that. The primary school situation is that from the data that we have gathered as recently up to this morning, we’re gathering data is that while there are some vacancies in the primary school primary schools across the system, most of those, to be honest, are pending approvals from the ministry, which are expected to be coming within these days right here. We all know the reality that the Ministry of Education spends the lion’s share of its budget on paying teacher salaries. They – while we hear and appreciate every teacher who feels that he or she is underpaid, the reality is that this ministry is not in a position to say, oh, you know, we can do anything to make teachers’ salary is competitive right now compared to anybody else. When you look at teacher salaries that are being paid here compared to other countries, Belize’s teachers are not poorly, not so badly off. It’s not just happening here in Belize. It’s happening across the world. We have Belizean teachers in other Caribbean countries. With the way that CSME works, technically, we can have other teachers from other countries come here as well.”

CitCo Donates Back-to-School Packages to Primary Schools

Summer vacation is coming to an end and schools across the country are already resuming classes. In preparation, teachers are gathering supplies to ensure that students return to a clean welcoming environment. To assist with the process, the Belize City Council has donated cleaning supplies to every primary school in Belize City. News Five’s Britney Gordon attended the ceremony today for more details. Here’s the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

For children to learn effectively, they must be in an environment that is welcoming and safe. Ensuring that schools and classrooms are clean is a crucial part of providing a well-rounded education for children. The Belize City Council is donating cleaning supplies to every primary school in the city. Mayor Bernard Wagner emphasizes the importance of a clean environment

Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City

“Education is very important. Many times, we have seen where children are in classrooms, but we just can’t have classrooms. We have to have clean classrooms. That is why we felt it important that we provided some cleaning and sanitation supplies as well to, to some of the principals. The thirty-one schools in the Belize City area, we felt it important. It’s the second year we are undertaking this activity. But it is really a very good activity because it contributes back to cleanliness. We have been singing about cleanliness. You can’t just speak every day about classroom but the classroom noh clean. You can’t talk about that you love Belize City, but you keep Belize City horrible. You have to, we have to be leaders in this culture change that is needed in Belize City in respect of how we keep our city clean.”

The donation is equivalent to about three months’ worth of supplies. Principal of Trinity Methodist School, Jamael Campbell says that this donation takes some of the burden off the shoulders of the staff that must prepare the school for the return of one hundred and eighty students.

Jamael Campbell, Principal. Trinity Methodist School

“As a primary school, we need the supplies here. Of course, it’s very expensive, very difficult to consume these this time of year. And so this puts us at an advantage that we don’t have to log out and use the phone to actually purchase these in the initial stages of school. So it’s very beneficial to us as a school, the students especially, who will get to benefit from this.”

The donation includes a stock of cleaning supplies, as well as school bags, funded by the council and members of the diaspora. Councilor Kaya Cattouse explains how this initiative came about.

Kaya Cattouse, Belize City Councilor

“This came after COVID And mostly there were cleaning supplies to ensure that the place was properly sanitized. At the time it was much needed a much needed package. And, it is still a much needed package, keeping the place clean. Clorox wipes different disinfectants school bags paper towels, things of that sort.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Teacher Shortage Reported in Some Schools

There’s a shortage of teachers at some primary schools around the country, brought on by the resignation of educators before the opening of the new school year. We have received digital copies of advertisements posted for vacancies at two primary schools. There are three scenarios that we’ve learned about that are causing the situation – teachers face a delay in receiving the history of their Continuous Professional Development. Those in remote areas also leave when they find better jobs or more convenient areas to teach. Others simply leave for teaching jobs outside of Belize. News Five’s Marion Ali has a report on the issue.

Marion Ali, Reporting

There is a shortage of schoolteachers in Belize’s education system and there are two main reasons why this is taking place. Herman Ramirez is a member of the national executive of the Catholic Primary Schools Principals Association.

Herman Ramirez, Member, Nat’l Exec.,Catholic Primary School Principals Assn

“We had two teachers that in the last minute they sent out, you know, information that they’re actually requesting to be released, requesting to be transferred, requesting to resign, and that sort of thing. And normally this would happen, especially in the rural areas, where you have teachers commuting to teach.”

Ramirez is also the principal of our Lady of Lourdes RC School in Maskall Village. He says that there are now three vacancies for teachers, two have resigned and the third is on long leave. President of the Belize National Teachers Union, Nadia Caliz tells News Five that teachers are opting for better-paying jobs elsewhere.

Nadia Caliz, President, BNTU

“At the secondary level, we do have a shortage when it comes to skill set. Many of the teachers don’t have the necessary content and pedagogy in the area. So, it’s hard for, for the ministry or for schools to pull these vacancies unless MOE changes its criteria. That’s for the secondary. For the primary now, the issue has to do with the fact that not only primary but secondary as well too. We have different countries who have different teacher programs. The salaries are attractive, and our teachers have decided that they want to explore those options.”

According to Caliz, teachers have also been leaving to take up jobs at call centers. For those who wish to remain in the profession, however, she lays blame on the Ministry of Education.

Nadia Caliz

“Every teacher needs to meet 120 continuous professional development hours. They must meet that. That’s a requirement for a license renewal. Some of the teachers have met that, but they have a issue is that they cannot get the certificate. The document that says you have 120 CPD hours, they apply to the Teacher Learning Institute, the TLI, and they are still waiting to get that. Without that, you are not going to be given a new license.”

Marion Ali

“That comes from where?”

Nadia Caliz

“That comes from the Ministry of Education.”

Marion Ali

“Is it an issue where teachers wait until the last minute to get this accreditation and then they find that they’re caught up in a bottleneck situation?”

Nadia Caliz

“There are a few teachers like that and they’re not the majority. And I don’t want for the impression to be given that majority of teachers are like that.”

Caliz shared a scenario where a teacher who underwent brain surgery and who was unable to complete her required number of accredited hours was denied her teachers license. She has reportedly requested an audience with Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca to discuss the problems that teachers are faced with. Meanwhile, Ramirez tells us that they have met with education officials and are waiting for the matter to be resolved. But with classes resuming on Monday, Our Lady of Lourdes, like others that have a shortage of teachers will have to carry on the best way they could.

Herman Ramirez

“We have spoken to our staff and we have said we’re going to try and reach out again, send out the advertisement to try and see if we can secure some teachers to fill the post. But in the meantime, we teachers will have to share classrooms and we will have to see what we can do to make sure that we can operate, have the children in class and have school operating as normal.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

Ministry of Education Launch National Accreditation Council

Today, the Ministry of Education took a milestone step that has been almost two decades in the making. The ministry officially launched its National Accreditation Council. According to the legislation that accompanies the establishment of the council, its primary function is to improve and maintain the quality of education being offered in Belize. The National Accreditation Council Act lists a total of eighteen functions towards improving education in Belize. News Five’s Paul Lopez tells us more.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The Ministry of Education today officially launched the National Accreditation Council of Belize. According to Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry, Dian Maheia, the establishment of such a council has been in the pipeline for the past eighteen years. She explained that its role is to ensure that the quality of education delivered in our country meets the highest standards.

Dian Maheia, Chief Executive Officer, MOECST

“We have to have the answers when people ask us, what are you doing, where do you want to go, how is it going, where are you going next? Those answers have to come from us. We can’t get those answers if we don’t engage meaningfully in the work we do, the work of education, the thinking work, the planning work, the vision work, as much as the day to day work. Every person in this room, I think, has lived that, where you have to divide your responsibilities. You have to spend some time doing the day-to-day work, managing, checking papers, making plans, signing off on things, that is important. You don’t accomplish anything if you don’t do that. But you also have to spend some time doing the thinking, the planning, to understand ok, what did we actually accomplish.”

The National Accreditation Council is tasked with promoting the advancement of education in Belize. It is also charged with maintaining and improving quality standards in education to protect the interests of students. Furthermore, the council will facilitate the free movement of skilled professionals across the CARICOM region via the CSME. Legislation to realize the council was enacted almost two decades ago. It was amended earlier this year.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education

“That Act defines accreditation as follows. Accreditation is a status granted to educational institutions or program by a competent authority ion the basis of an informed evaluation, indicating that the program and courses offered by an institution and its awards meet or exceeds stated criteria of educational quality. The functions of the council shall be to promote the advancement of education in Belize, to ensure the quality of education delivered in Belize meets the standards set by the council for the qualifications and certificates conferred and that the appropriate standards are being maintained and improved to protect the interest of students and to promote the free movement of skills across the region. I wanted to share with you some of the key responsibilities of the council. Registering the institutions, both local and foreign which offers courses in Belize, maintain a register of approved institutions, providers and courses, accrediting and recrediting programs and institutions. Validating new courses and programs of institutions operating in Belize.”

The National Accreditation Council will be an eleven-member board of directors. The board will comprise of three representatives from tertiary institutions, two from professional associations involved in educations, one from the Belize Chamber of Commerce, another from the Belize Tourism Board and one representative from the Ministry of Education. Additionally, the minister will nominate two members. An executive director will also be appointed to lead the day-to-day operations.

Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Minister of State, Ministry of Education

“Now we must go beyond having all our children in school. We must ensure that while they are in school that they receive a quality education. Otherwise, if we are not providing the quality they need they may end up going out there and perpetuating a situation where we are not getting the quality of students we need, which has been our experience. This is an important step towards sustainable human development for our country. We might not see these things when we might say we have an investment summit, and we are bringing in millions dollars. This time we are talking about strengthening our institutions. For example, when we strengthen our judiciary or strengthen our systems in the police force. This is now strengthening our systems in the education sector.”

Dian Maheia

“This morning one of you said, but now the work really starts. That is true. And that is great that we recognize that, because if we think that the work is done. Then we are in trouble. We didn’t have people who started this eighteen years ago and we are just going to bring everybody together, and clap when the ministers talk and get those lovely mugs and go home and think we are done. We are not done; we are just beginning.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Rotary Gives Out 21 Secondary Scholarships

Since 2019, the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise has been assisting needy teenagers with secondary scholarships. Today, the organization did just that for the upcoming school year with the handing out of scholarships to twenty-one adolescents who are either entering high school or returning to complete their secondary education. News Five’s Marion Ali was at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel for the brief ceremony and filed this report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Twenty-one teenagers who will later on be a part of Belize’s workforce today secured the chance to begin their studies towards that goal when they received scholarships from the Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise. President of the club, Dinesh Bhojwani said the selection process was based on two criteria.

Dinesh Bhojwani, President, Rotary Club of Belize Sunrise

“One is financial need, and the other one, and most importantly, is the academic excellence. So, we look at merit, we look at, um, as I had mentioned earlier, the, for the primary students, it’s eighty percent and for high school students, it’s a three-point zero G.P.A. And in order to stay in the program, you generally, we ask that you maintain that G.P.A., or that eighty percent throughout the entire program for you to be able to be eligible because the idea of the program is not just a one-time thing, it’s the idea is to see them through the entire high school, their entire high school career.”

The three students we spoke with all applied because they have goals.

Jahniyah Ferguson, Scholarship Recipient

“I wanted to help my parents save money. And so, I feel like this thing will help me upgrade my education in different ways.”

Alina Blair, Scholarship Recipient

“I ended up applying for the scholarship to get the opportunity because it really helps when you have opportunities like this in high school.”

Gabriela Ranguy, Scholarship Recipient

“I love my education and I think it would help better for me.”

Bhojwani says the Rotary offers an additional program to support students who might fall behind the required average. Counseling and tutoring are also offered for those who need that kind of help.

Dinesh Bhojwani

“It’s not just the financial support, but there’s counseling if needed. We speak to them. There’s tutoring if necessary. So the idea behind [it] is before they get off – before they get to the next year, we kind of monitor them a little bit to see – well, we don’t, the school does. And then we are able to then say, you know, they’re kind of moving off the path of – and we bring them back in -so counseling, tutoring, all of that stuff is part of the process.”

Marion Ali for News Five.

U.B. Working on Resolving Student Portal Registration Issues

Schools are reopening across the country, and the students at the University of Belize have voiced their frustrations over the difficulties they have experienced in trying to register for classes. The students claim that the portal is not allowing students to sign up for their desired classes, but the window designated for registration is steadily closing. President of U.B., Doctor Vincent Palacio, says that the issue lies with the software used for the service, and that assures students that the university is in dialogue with the suppliers to resolve it.

Dr. Vincent Palacio, President, U.B.

“That was not sent to me, as the president of the university. We are doing all that we could to make sure this problem does not happen again. There’s a task force working as we speak. There’s a meeting, there was a meeting on with the supplier of the software that we use this afternoon. So we’re working diligently to make sure that we have the adequate system for our students. I’m aware of the concerns. I have two sons who go here as well. The frustration is real. So we are doing our best to address it.”

Reporter

“How is it that it’s just being addressed? I went to school ten years ago and I still had the same problems from then.”

Dr. Vincent Palacio

“I can’t speak to that. We’re trying our best. I’m the president today. We’re trying our best to make sure it works.”

Reporter

“It does speak though to the IT section of the school. You’re teaching IT but at the same, on the other hand you can’t figure out your issues with the IT. It’s not an IT issue.”

Dr. Vincent Palacio

“It’s a software that we buy from outside. It’s called Xenegrade. And they’re the ones who host the the process. They’re the ones who does everything for the process. So our IT just supports us around here. The bandwidth issue is one of the supplier of which if you notice for the bachelor’s degree registration. It was seamless. They did something that worked. So in the future we have to make sure we get do what works at registration time.”

Reporter

“But in the meantime, students feel like they’re being held hostage because they’re having to pay for extra semesters to take these classes that they couldn’t get into.”

Dr. Vincent Palacio

“I am not aware of that. Our registrar works night and day to get students in classes. If the classes are full, we’re adding additional sections. If these students need to get in classes, have them reach out to the registrar for assistance.”

U.B. launches Belize’s First Ever School of Medicine

Belize is advancing its healthcare sector by investing in the education of future doctors. Today, the University of Belize officially launched the University of Belize School of Medicine, offering a five-year program leading to various Bachelor of Medicine degrees. News Five’s Britney Gordon was at the launch to gather more details about this significant development.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

For years, Belizeans have sought medical education abroad in countries like Cuba or Mexico. Now, Belize is stepping up by launching its own University of Belize School of Medicine. Doctor Lisa Johnson, the Dean of the new school, says this marks the beginning of a new chapter for both education and healthcare in the country.

Dr. Lisa Johnson, Dean, School of Medicine

“It shows progress. It shows development. It shows enlightened planning, enlightened leadership. It’s an inflection point in our history nationally, institutionally. And it will be so for certain persons. So it’s, one can view this from a number of different angles, but one, the one that we must view it from is in terms of the country and what it means for the country, how it translates. into the daily lives of each Belizean, no matter where you are in the country, that at some point, we will be producing doctors that will touch all the lives within the country. It’s a tremendous responsibility, but it’s a sign of growth and maturity as a country.”

The five-year program starts at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars for the first year. To help ease the financial burden, the school will offer several scholarships to top performers in the entrance exam. Additionally, Minister of Health Kevin Bernard announced that the ministry will provide four scholarships for the program.

Kevin Bernard, Minister, MOHW

“What we looked at, because as we had mentioned that we were offering also scholarships, master’s degree in nursing. When we looked at the applicants that have applied, we will, we have the, we have found the resources that we are able to then provide for scholarships for the School of Medicine. And just as we do, and the Ministry of Education who have also supported us through the Ministry of Health. With other scholarships, I think it’s very important that we show our support by that as well, by offering four deserving Belizeans who would want to take on this challenge to become medical professionals in, in and to take up this approach at the School of Medicine here at the University of Belize.”

The launch of the School of Medicine marks a significant step towards building a well-educated and thriving Belizean society. UB President Vincent Palacio emphasised that the program is currently undergoing a rigorous accreditation process to ensure that its curriculum meets international standards.

Vincent Palacio, President, UB

“I have heard some of them their doubts, their questions. That’s why we’re going the accreditation route with an accreditation with CAAM-HP. It will put us at that level, that quality level as our counterparts in the region. So I have no doubt that we could do this. The naysayers, they will join us eventually when they see the, that the University of Belize could run a medical school.”

Classes are scheduled to commence on September thirtieth of this year. Britney Gordon for News Five.

80 Students Across Belize Awarded S.S.B. Scholarship

Classes will be back in session soon and eighty students from across the country are returning with the security of knowing that their tuition is covered. Today, the Social Security Board hosted its annual Scholarship ceremony where students from high school, college and vocational technical schools gathered at the Biltmore Plaza to receive their awards. These scholarships benefit children with financial need and have shown dedication to their studies. New’s Five’s Britney Gordon attended the ceremony today to meet some of the happy recipients. Here’s that story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Every parent wishes for their child to have access to the best education possible, but it is an unfortunate reality that many struggle with affording the cost of tuition, amongst other bills and responsibilities. For eighty students across the country, that burden just got a little lighter after receiving the annual Social Security Board Scholarship.

Javier Simmons, Scholarship Recipient

“Honestly, I was pretty ecstatic, because it releases a burden off of my grandmother, you know. We aren’t that most rich family, as people would say. So it really helps us a lot and helps me to further pursue my goals and aspirations in the future.”

The SSB has been granting the children of Belize scholarships since 2001. Since then, over one thousand primary and secondary school students have benefited from the award. This year, two hundred and twelve candidates applied to receive either associates, bachelors, or vocational technical scholarships. CEO Deborah Ruiz says that it is a highly competitive opportunity.

Deborah Ruiz, CEO, SSB

“We look at the deserving, you know? That persons who are struggling to meet their day-to-day commitments and are able to still maintain that enthusiasm. And we see the grade and the effort is there that they will do well in school.”

Twenty-three-year-old Fernando Landero is studying to become a chef in San Ignacio Town and is balancing school and work simultaneously. He is grateful for the opportunity.

Fernando Landero, Scholarship Recipient

“I’m currently focusing on that. I’m doing school and work. So it’s a challenge, but at the same time, I’m trying to focus a lot more in school so that I get this done.”

Reporter

“Would you say this is a life changing experience for you?”

Fernando Landero

“It actually is, and I believe it’s also for many of us that receive the scholarship because at times we struggle as. As young adults and whenever these opportunities come, we do have to take advantages of it.”

Ruiz explains that the board tries its best to ensure that recipients are selected from across the country. Fourteen-year-old Laura Davis wants to be a lawyer and now, with the scholarship, she is one step closer to achieving that dream. She will be attending Our Lady of Guadelupe High School in Belmopan.

Laura Davis, Scholarship Recipient

“My mom was happy to receive a for me to get a scholarship because she wasn’t gonna know how she was gonna pay for it. But I’m glad I got this scholarship, so she doesn’t have to worry.”

The scholars left the award ceremony with a feeling of pride, having earned the award and parents a sense of security, knowing their child would be able to receive the education they deserve.

Britney Gordon

“How has the reception been from them when they heard that you’re going to be receiving the scholarship?”

Javier Simmons

“They’re more happy than me. My grandmother included. She was, I don’t even know how to describe it, but it was really, really wonderful finding that out to be honest.”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Digi Gives High School Scholarships to 35 Students

Today, thirty-five students received scholarships from Digicell to attend the high school of their choice. The students hail from across the country, with the majority coming from Belize City primary schools. It is a significant investment for the multitude of students who submitted applications. News Five was present for the announcement of the final selections. Marion Ali filed this report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Today, thirty-five standard-six graduates were guaranteed a high school education when they formally received scholarships from BTL’s Digicell. Shahem Ifield hails from the Cayo District, where he will attend Eden Seventh Day Adventist Hogh School through his scholarship. He and his mother, Noelia Velasquez, were happy that his father’s effort paid off.

Shahem Ifield, Recipient, Digi Scholarship

“I mi tell them that this scholarship wa be very helpful, and it will help me further my education.”

Marion Ali

What field of studies do you hope to take on when you attend Eden High School?

Shahem Ifield

“Technology. They said they have to get a 3.0 to keep the scholarship.”

Noelia Velasquez, Mother of Shahem Ifield

“They mentioned that usually it’s the moms that do all the procedures, but in this way, it was the dad. So I’m happy that he did it. And he went about and applied for the application and we’re so great, grateful about it. We are so happy that my boy gets to enjoy this scholarship and it has a big impact. Great of benefits for us. So we don’t have to like struggling as much as we did with the older one.”

The company’s CEO, Ivan Tesucum explained that they succeeded in increasing the number of recipients from twenty-five by ten this year.

Ivan Tesucum, C.E.O., B.T.L., Digi

“We do make allocations; we do make budgets. And this year we had the opportunity to be able to even award 10 more scholarships than what we’ve done in the past. So for us, it’s just something that we’re very proud of, and something that we continue to push because education is key for us.”

Marion Ali

“What was the selection process like?”

Ivan Tesucum

“Sure. The selection process is – it has to do obviously with academic qualifications, but it also has to do with the financial needs and challenges that we meet. And so they go through a rigorous, but they do an interview with the committee and they tell their stories as to why they are deserving. And so some of those stories are very heartwarming and we see how much they want education. So for us like you correctly said, it’s a lot more than a 35. And so the committee does have a very tough task ahead of them, but they’re able to come to an agreement and we award 35.”

Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca says that even though the government invests upwards of three hundred million dollars each year in the budget, there is always a need for more.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education

“The people of this country fully understand and appreciate the importance of investing in education. And that’s why we continue to invest over three hundred million dollars every year in the annual budget. And so it’s important, even that is not enough. It’s important to have good corporate citizens like BTL doing their part. It’s very, important that we work together. All of us work together to create more opportunities for young people to get a secondary education or tertiary education.”

The company and the parents of the students signed an agreement committing that their children would maintain an average of three point zero in order to keep their scholarship throughout the four years. Marion Ali for News Five.