Belize
The country of focused engagement for the next six years will be Belize, the northern most Central American nation — bordered on the north by Mexico, on the south and west by Guatemala and on the east by the Caribbean Sea.
Belize is a country of contrast. The initial tourist image quickly fades into a much more complex image dealing with issues of urban squalor and rural poverty. The rural poverty is especially prevalent in the southern part of the country. The two southern most districts are Stann Creek and Toledo. Our first visits to Belize have been educational and relationship building, particularly relating to Stann Creek and Toledo. These two districts are home to the indigenous cultures of the Mayan and Garifuna (descendants of Carib Indians and African slaves) people. This is a country rich in culture. The people are warm, friendly and confident in their ability to face life’s challenges, both old and new ones, together making a better world for themselves, their children, communities, and country.
Updated list of funded groups in Belize with pictures:
Hopkins Farmers Cooperative Society Ltd Sandy Beach Women’s Cooperative Society Ltd, Hopkins Village
Marigold Women’s Group Rio Grande Fisherman Cooperative
Placencia Tour Guide Cooperative Maya Freshwater Cooperative Seine Bight Village Council
Trio Farmers in Development Pre-Cop El Paraiso Agriculture Cooperatives Society Ltd
