Government’s Free Education Initiative Boosts High School Enrollment in Belize City

High school enrollment has improved tremendously in Belize City thanks to the government’s free education initiative. The project covers tuition, uniforms, books, and supplies, as well as a feeding program to ensure that each child gets at least one meal for the day. The Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca, explained that the GEMS schools in Belize City have been able to recruit more young Belizeans into their institutions. 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education: “Maud Williams alone this year has gone up almost, I think, 100 new students at Maud Williams. Sadie Vernon, Gwen Liz have all reported increased enrollments. So I think we were targeting a little over a thousand students because before we had like 800 and we were targeting maybe an additional 200 across. We will exceed that. I think it will be probably more like 1,200 students, 400 additional students in those schools and then keep in mind we have also extended it to the south of Belize, five schools in the south, I believe three in Toledo and two in Stann Creek and there again, we’re capturing, I think another 1,500 students in that with the rollout of that program. I think it’s been very successful so far, you know, and we’ll continue to invest in that program.”

Under the initiative, all students at Maud Williams High School will be receiving free uniforms for classes and physical education.