Belize Diaspora Delegation Supports National Literacy Enhancement Project

A delegation from the Foundation of American Belizeans (FABZN) is in Belize this week in support of the Belize Literacy Enhancement Project, a national initiative aimed at promoting reading, strengthening literacy skills, and fostering cultural exchange between students in Belize and the United States.  The delegation is in the country until Tuesday, and will participate in several activities, including a plaque dedication ceremony this Friday at Wesley Upper School in Belize City and the groundbreaking of a new Literacy Center at Eden SDA Primary School in Santa Elena Town, Cayo District. The group will also continue supporting the existing Reading Room Belize Literacy Center at Wesley Upper School.  Among those joining the delegation are Sherlett Hendy-Newbill, the first Belizean elected to the Los Angeles Unified School District Board; Rashad Rucker-Trapp, the first Belizean appointed as a Los Angeles City Commissioner; and Dr. Carliss McGhee, President of the Inglewood School Board in California.  Organizers say the initiative highlights growing collaboration between Belize and its diaspora in advancing education. Since the launch of the first literacy center, participating students have recorded a 17 percent improvement in reading proficiency and interest, underscoring the impact of the program.