Belize to Get 60 New Preschool Classrooms Under World Bank Funding

The Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank has approved the Belize Early Childhood Development and Female Empowerment Project, a multi-million-dollar initiative aimed at improving access to preschool education and creating more opportunities for women to work.

The project comes at a time when early childhood education coverage remains limited nationwide. During the 2023–2024 school year, only 39% of children aged 3 and 4 were enrolled in preschool. Access to childcare is even more restricted, with just 24 registered daycare centres nationwide, all located in major cities.

The shortage has weighed heavily on women. Belize’s female labour force participation rate stands at 43.6%, below the regional average. Census data shows 65% of women in households with children aged 0‑4 left jobs to take on family responsibilities, with even higher rates in rural and Mayan communities.

To address these challenges, the project will expand early learning infrastructure across the country. This includes adding 60 new preschool classrooms within existing primary schools in underserved communities and upgrading or rehabilitating 30 existing preschools to improve learning conditions.

In addition, around 80 early childhood development centres will be established or improved in partnership with communities, organisations, and private providers.

“When caregivers can trust that their children are in safe, nurturing environments, they are free to participate fully in the economy and society,” said Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean. “This project invests in both Belize’s youngest citizens and the women who care for them.”

Funding includes a $23.5 million credit from the International Development Association and a $1.28 million grant from the Early Learning Partnership.