How Belize’s COVID Education Response Became a Development Superhero

Belize has been named one of six finalists in the Inter-American Development Bank’s 2026 Superheroes of Development competition for adapting its education programme during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ingrid Acosta of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture presented Belize’s story during the event, explaining how the programme shifted from traditional teacher training to ongoing coaching when the pandemic disrupted classrooms.

Acosta said teachers were suddenly being asked to learn new technology and teaching practices while continuing to support students.

“This is a side of teacher training no one sees. Too often when our teachers struggle, the answer is another workshop. You attend, you go home. But the classroom, it stays just the same,” Acosta said.

She said the Ministry recognised that training alone was not enough and introduced hybrid coaching, with teachers receiving continued support online and in person.

“Real transformation occurs when someone stands alongside a teacher and supports her as she tries something new,” Acosta said.

According to results presented by Acosta, the percentage of teachers delivering quality education lessons increased from 30% to 73%.

The programme also left Belize with a group of trained coaches and a coaching model that can be replicated through other programmes.

For the IDB, the project shows how a development programme can adapt to a major challenge, find new solutions and leave behind lessons that can benefit other programmes.

Acosta said the experience showed that teachers were willing to change, but needed relevant support and someone to follow up with them as they tried new approaches.

“When we empower a teacher, we transform much more than a classroom. We help to transform society one classroom at a time,” Acosta said.

This edition’s three winners will be announced following presentations today.