Luna Foundation Awards Education Support to Six Belizean Students

The Luna Foundation is continuing its mission of transforming lives through education, providing financial awards to six outstanding Belizean students this year as part of its annual Awards Programme. Established in 2025, the programme was created as a tribute to the founder’s mother, Marsline Staine whose dreams of pursuing a formal education were cut short because, as a woman, she was not given the same educational opportunities. Determined to honour her mother’s legacy, the founder established the foundation to help young Belizeans access the education that was once out of reach for so many. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the foundation’s founder Sumaiya Morris and Karen Simplis, a former student she taught, who now serves as a Social Work Lecturer, alongside her at the University of Belize. Together, they have worked to identify deserving students who have demonstrated academic promise, perseverance and a commitment to their education. We spoke to the Founder, Sumaiya Morris, and she shared these words with us. 

This year’s scholarship recipients represent institutions across the country. Two students are from St. John’s Anglican Primary School, one from Anglican Cathedral College, two from the University of Belize and one from Sacred Heart College. The 2026 awards also mark an important milestone for the programme. For the first time since its inception, the foundation has expanded its reach beyond tertiary education to include both primary and secondary school students, recognising that educational support is needed at every stage of a student’s academic journey. Karen Simplis, spoke to us and shared what this means to her. 

Organisers say they hope the scholarships will not only ease the financial burden on families but also inspire recipients to pursue their goals and eventually give back to their communities. The Luna Foundation says it remains committed to investing in Belize’s future by ensuring that financial challenges do not prevent deserving students from achieving their educational aspirations.