Education - Greater Belize Media

Pathlight Powers Dreams with Scholarships Across Belize

Schools may be out for the summer, but for forty bright young minds across Belize, the excitement of a new academic journey is already in full swing. This morning in Belize City, the non-profit organization Pathlight lit up the future for students at every level, primary, secondary, and even tertiary, by awarding them academic scholarships. But this isn’t just about tuition; it’s about transforming lives. With a focus on holistic support, Pathlight is helping these students not only succeed in school but also build the skills they’ll need to thrive in their careers. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

For nearly two decades, one organization has been quietly transforming lives across Belize, one student at a time. Pathlight, a proudly Belizean-led non-profit, has spent the last eighteen years opening doors to education for students bursting with potential but lacking the resources to reach it. But their mission goes far beyond just getting students into classrooms. As CEO Luwani Cayetano explains, it’s about equipping them with the tools to succeed, not just in school, but in life. Here’s more in this inspiring story.

Luwani Cayetano, C.E.O., Pathlight

“We wrap them up with love and support to make sure that they stay in high school. And what does that mean? That means that we support with the tuition and fees, but we also make sure that they have the uniforms, the books, the backpacks. Food if they need it, because we know some of our households are really struggling when it comes to food. But then, you’re in high school and your life becomes chaotic and your family might become a little bit chaotic. And so we give tutoring and counseling with the intention that if we wrap around this student with all this love and all this support, that they will thrive.”

This year, Pathlight distributed forty scholarships to students across Belize. At just sixteen years old, Alexandra is already proving that hard work and determination can open doors. Fresh off her graduation from Pallotti High School, she’s now a second-time recipient of the Pathlight scholarship, a testament to her academic drive and the support that’s helping her reach new heights. She is on her way to Saint John’s Junior College, where she will be majoring in Biology and Chemistry.

Alexandria Mai, Scholarship Recipient

“Everything has just been amazing, and it’s an indescribable experience because I’m not sure if you were listening to the speech earlier, but students don’t only receive financial aid for high school, but we receive a multitude of different stuff. So here at Pathlight we get tutoring, we get different depending on like your academic standpoint. Of course, that’s what I said, the tutoring. You get a lot of mental, social and psychological support here. So if you ever feel a little bit mentally drained, students at PATH that have the opportunity to get counseling. We also have our own personal mentors who like, are basically our second parents here. We get to communicate with them in all matters. If you tell them, okay, like maybe I’m struggling with school or struggling at home. Like they’re not only here for school. Like they’re here for everything.”

The scholarship is highly competitive, as Pathlight conducts a thorough assessment to ensure that students have both high academic potential and high financial needs. After meeting those requirements, applicants are brought in for an interview.

Erica Clother-Joseph, Director, Sponsorship Plus Program, Pathlight

“At that stage, they get a reading assessment, a math assessment, and they. Have an interview with a panel, and from that we determine who would be the scholars that we select for this year. When it comes to our tertiary program, our tertiary scholarships are for students existing in the program already. So our associates degree scholarships are given to students who are graduating from high school this year or Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree students that graduated this year. “

With nearly five hundred graduates now proudly calling themselves Pathlight scholars, the organization is creating a powerful network of educated professionals across Belize. K’lynne Hyde, who will be attending Edward P, York High School. Hoped to become a pediatrician in the future,

K’lynne Hyde, Scholarship Recipient

“I feel proud, glad, and happy that they chose me. And going into high school now on a Pathlight scholarship, I’m proud that I have them to work along with me and my mother. Going into first form.”

Britney Gordon

“Is this your first time receiving the Pathlight light scholarship?”

K’lynne Hyde

“Yes, ma’am.”

Britney Gordon

“So what was it like when you and your mom got the news that you got accepted and you’re going to be receiving it?”

K’lynne Hyde

“I was very happy. I went home and I tell everyone in the house.”

The work of Pathlight is crucial, but it is not easy. The NGO invites all businesses and members of the public with a passion for education to reach out with potential partnerships so that they can continue giving the gift of learning for many years to come. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Union Senator Says 3 Percent Pay Raise Simply Not Enough

The Belize National Teachers’ Union has flatly rejected the government’s proposed three salary increase. On Thursday, teachers across the country made their voices heard, marching in green and waving signs with a clear message: “We matter.” Prime Minister John Briceño acknowledged their concerns but said the government simply doesn’t have the funds to offer more. Still, the protest gained support from labor leaders. At today’s Special Senate Sitting, Senator Glenfield Dennison of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize backed the teachers, saying their fight is justified.

Glenfield Dennison, N.T.U.C.B. Senator

“ I think it’s important that the people of Belize be made aware that this is a issue for each public servant, each teacher, each nurse, each doctor, everyone who works for the government, and some who work in the statuary bodies. It’s straight up cost of living question. People are finding it difficult to make ends meet, and they are very clear. They have done the math. They know that a three percent increase for them is simply not enough. Police officers who are just coming out of training school are telling me that, you know, they make five hundred and five dollars every two weeks. That’s ten every month. Three percent of that is negligible. That’s thirty dollars and thirty cents, and so. It’s not making sense and it’s not making cents because we, the other talk about how much, hundreds of millions and so, but for each person they can do the much they have done, the much they’re telling you that, listen, I’m not asking for a lot that recruit, that recruit even at the eight point five percent. It’s only one hundred and thirteen more. They know what hundred and thirteen dollars does for them, and that’s just a a junior recruit coming out of training school. But the situation is worse with people who are career public officers, who have mortgages, who have expenses. Their children are growing up, they’re going to high school now, and the money just isn’t enough. So to say that the teachers are being unreasonable, I think, is to not assess the humanness that each teacher is feeling right now.”

Kyron Green’s Journey of Hope Six Years After 2019 Shooting

It was a moment that shook the nation back in 2019, an eleven-year-old boy caught in the crossfire of gun violence. Today, six years later, we bring you a rare follow-up on his journey—a story of grief, but also of resilience, hope, and the power of dreams that refuse to fade. As we conclude this month’s search for a bright side in grief, Sabreena Daly shares an updated story of Kyron Green, whose dreams keep him moving forward against all odds. Here’s more.

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

In May 2019, an eleven-year-old boy attending St. Luke Methodist Primary School was shot in a senseless act of violence. Kyron Green was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time when a gunman opened fire near a neighborhood store. Caught in the crossfire, Kyron’s life changed forever. Now, six years on, what once seemed like a temporary setback has become a permanent reality. Kyron is paralyzed and uses a wheelchair, carrying not just the physical scars, but the emotional weight of that tragic day.

Kyron Green, Shooting Victim

“When I go to the boulevard, I sometimes pass the shop. I would just look inside there and watch the area where I got shot. But I don’t really make that bother me because it already happened and I can’t change anything about it.”

His mother remembers that day as the moment her life also changed.

Marsha Belisle, Mother

“That day, that night, I felt like my whole world just crashed. You know, everything just changed inside of me. I felt like I could have just ripped it out and thrown it away.”

Grief manifests in different ways. And while Marsha Belisle remains grateful that the incident didn’t claim her son’s life, the reality that followed was life-altering. Her son’s life changed in a heartbeat, and over time, she’s learned to live with that reality. Still, Belisle admits there are quiet moments when the “what ifs” linger, and she can’t help but wonder how different things might have been.

Marsha Belisle

“That’s my biggest thing because there are many times when he’s out there with his friends, and they’re running around playing, and he’s sitting in the corner watching them. And I could just look at him and say, man, if he could only get out of that chair and walk, you know. That was my biggest thing. And I hold that a lot because I always wanted to see him up, back walking, moving around. I’d say, man, if he was only up again, different things would happen. But God always sees farther than us. He knows best.”

At Canaan SDA High School, thirty-one students are getting ready to celebrate a major milestone—graduation day. As they rehearse their steps and lend their voices to the commencement song A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman, one story stands out. Among them is Kyron Green—perhaps the biggest dreamer of all. While many dreams are still taking shape, one has already come true for him and his mother, he’s about to graduate high school.

Marsha Belisle

“Yes, that’s the biggest dream. Because I said, despite your injury, son, that doesn’t define who you really are, you know. You still have brains. Your brains didn’t get affected—thank God for that. You may not be walking, but you have a life, and we give God thanks for that every single day.”

Kyron’s high school journey was far from ordinary. It took teamwork—his family, the National Resource Center for Inclusive Education, and Canaan SDA High School all came together to help him succeed. The school’s principal shared that supporting Kyron wasn’t viewed as going the extra mile—it was simply doing what was right: ensuring he had the opportunity to learn and succeed like any other student.

Jaime Roberts, Principal

“When he came here, he was in a wheelchair due to gunshot violence, and we said, yes, we need to do something. We believe in all inclusion. We believe that every child deserves a rightful education.”

Marsha Belisle

“And they had planned that we would do the package every two weeks. We’d go in, get the package, come home. I would literally teach myself the work and then teach him the work, you know. And I had to do a lot of Google studies and things. So he took me back to school myself. And, you know, it’s been a struggle. But he’s here. He’s graduating now.”

Kyron Green

“I say thanks to my mom. She’s been there with me, and she helped me go through school and everything. Even though some people from school disliked me, my mom still tells me not to worry about anybody. Nobody will bring you down.”

Kyron Green’s journey hasn’t been easy, but he’s proof that determination can overcome even the toughest challenges. Though his injury changed his life, his dreams and hope remain strong. Now, as he prepares to graduate alongside his classmates to the song “A Million Dreams,” Kyron shares a message of hope and resilience for others facing similar struggles

Kyron Green

“So people could be in my stage, like in a wheelchair, too, and they might be going through the same thing as me. I never gave up, So you don’t give up, either. If I made it through, you can make it through, too. Just put your mind to it, don’t worry about what nobody says.”

A living proof that even when life takes a turn, dreaming doesn’t have to end. Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.

P.M. Briceno: “I love teachers so much I married a teacher”

During Wednesday’s budget debate, Prime Minister John Briceño addressed the ongoing standoff between his administration and the Belize National Teachers Union. Speaking with reporters earlier in the day, he acknowledged the tension but later struck a more personal tone during the debate’s adjournment. In a lighthearted moment, the Prime Minister said, “I love teachers so much—I married one.” The comment drew a few smiles, but the underlying issue remains serious, as negotiations between the government and the union continue.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“This government, our PUP government, we just don’t speak to our teachers, we work with them, because it is only through collaboration and shared purpose that we can fulfill our mission, ensuring that every child is equipped with the knowledge and skill to be able to contribute to nation building. I want to make something absolutely clear to the teachers and especially to the union leaders, I have history with the BNTU. My mother was a teacher, a proud member of the BNTU. I marched as a child in Belize City with the BNTU. So when I stand with them and tell them this is what I can do, it is not that I don’t want to. I would love to give them more. I love teachers so much I married a teacher, Rosana Briceño”

Sadie Vernon is growing more than just minds—it’s growing food, too.

When you think of farming, you probably picture wide open fields in the countryside—but one Belize City high school is flipping that idea on its head. This morning, Sadie Vernon High School officially launched its very own aquaponics system, built right on campus by a group of second form students. And they didn’t just get their hands dirty building it, they also learned how to write formal letters to local businesses, asking for support and materials to bring their project to life. It’s a hands-on lesson in sustainability, teamwork, and real-world skills, all rolled into one. News Five’s Paul Lopez was there for the big reveal and has the full story.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

This morning, Sadie Vernon officially opened its aquaponics greenhouse, marking an exciting new chapter in its academic journey. The project blends science, sustainability, and hands-on learning, giving students a chance to explore modern farming right on campus. The initiative was made possible thanks to support from the business community and the Ministry of Education, and it’s being led by English teacher Malaak Middleton along with her enthusiastic second form students. Together, they’re proving that with teamwork and vision, even a classroom can become a farm.

Malaak Middleton, Teacher, Sadie Vernon High School

“I wanted to find a way how I could bring a little agriculture into the school setting. So when we came upon formal letter writing we wanted to use that as a vehicle to engage students in writing and also having a physical aspect to a little production that they can see how they can possible open a little small business or how they can bring it to their own communities in the end.”

Before construction began, Middleton’s students had to first engage in writing a formal letter of request to businesses within their community. Through this process they sharpened their writing skills and the response from the business community was favorable.

Malaak Middleton

“At first I had to go over the parts of that letter with them. I had to make sure that they know what the tone of the message is, what to put in that letter and we got them started on that. So we worked together to compose what we needed them to have in that letter.”

Teacher Malaak Middleton’s classroom isn’t just about theory, it’s about action. Her students didn’t just learn how to write formal letters; they used those skills to reach out to local businesses, who responded by donating the materials needed to build an aquaponics system. Instead of relaxing over their two-week Easter break, these dedicated second formers rolled up their sleeves and got to work—building the system right on their school grounds. For students like Joselin Sanchez, the experience was unforgettable. She now knows how to write professional requests and how to grow food using aquaponics.

Joselin Sanchez, Student, Sadie Vernon High School

“You see there is many things about an aquaponics. But, what I learned is that the waste from the fish leads from one tube to the motor and then there is another pipe that leads to the barrel that funnels the water. The water then goes to the stones. The stones release the waste and that is where the plants feeds on. And it is just a cycle that goes on and on and from the plants we can feed off and the fish can feed as well.”

Paul Lopez

“Is it not incredible that the waste that we would normally see as disgusting can help to produce our food?”

Joselin Sanchez

“It is amazing. At first I thought it was nasty, but when I come to learn about it, it is amazing. I could not believe it myself. It was kind of hard, but as I was doing it with my classmates they made it a lot more easier and it was fun as well.”

Principal Deborah Martin says the now fully operational aquaponics farming system on campus adds to the quality of education and student life offered by the high school. She believes it’s boosting both the quality of education and student life at Sadie Vernon High, giving students hands-on experience they can carry far beyond the classroom.

Deborah Martin, Principal, Sadie Vernon High School

“It is definitely helping to improve our brand here at Sadie Vernon High School and of course the quality of education. We are teaching them to focus on sustainable development and working along with their community. Because as our teacher said aquaponics is embedded in the idea of providing things for yourself and then eventually sharing it with your community.”

The school says it hopes to replicate this theory to application approach across all levels on campus. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Laying the Foundation for Better Buildings in Belize

Earlier this month, the Government of Belize approved the Belize Building Amendment Bill, an important move aimed at raising construction standards across the country. The goal? To ensure that buildings in Belize are not only more durable but also more resilient and sustainable. To support this national shift, a powerful collaboration is taking shape. The STEM U Foundation, in partnership with CapStone Civil Group and St. Ignatius High School, recently hosted a roundtable discussion focused on improving the quality of building practices in Belize. The STEM U Foundation is a local non-profit dedicated to empowering Belizean youth through training in STEM fields and skilled trades. Their mission is to prepare the next generation of builders, engineers, and innovators who will shape the country’s future. We spoke with STEM U’s founder, Jarrus Mitchell, who shared insights into the roundtable’s goals. He emphasized the importance of education, collaboration, and innovation in transforming the construction landscape, starting with young minds and community partnerships.

Jarrus Mitchell, Founder, Stem U Foundation

“So the purpose of this meeting is to bring subject matter experts into Belize from the US STEM U Foundation. Our platform is just that. We bring subject matter experts from developed countries to provide solutions and advice in regards to areas of agriculture, engineering, healthcare, and I.T., this engineering initiative will help spark the conversation on how the newly adopted Belize building code will be enforced how it’ll be implemented. And using the International Code Council model that the Belize building code is built from we will use the model from the US to discuss with the government, with the local towns and council and as well as contractors.”

Britney Gordon

“So what does the new building code speak to? What are some of the areas of change we can expect to see?”

Jarrus Mitchell

“Some of these changes, I wouldn’t necessarily call them changes. I would just call them improvements. And it will be around construction materials. It will be around construction design. It will be around the craftsmanship of how buildings are built. And what you should expect is an improvement in the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and design.”

With new legislation in place and grassroots efforts gaining momentum, Belize is building more than just structures, it’s building a future. One where safety, quality, and opportunity go hand in hand.

Minister of Education Was “Hopeful” BTNU Would Accept Proposal

As tensions continue to rise between the government and the teachers’ union, the Minister of Education is weighing in. Oscar Requena says he hasn’t received any official word from the unions just yet—but he’s calling the reports of a looming strike “unfortunate.” Echoing the Prime Minister’s stance, Minister Requena insists the government simply doesn’t have the funds to meet the union’s full demands right now. With the clock ticking on a possible strike, the standoff shows no signs of cooling down.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Education

“I want to say that I have not received any official communication form the unions on their position on the proposal presented by the government and the joint negotiating team. So far what I am hearing is only what I am seeing appearing on social media. I would say it is rather unfortunate, because the joint negotiating team met with the leaders. I believe we had a very cordial and respectful meeting. WE would have hoped that the unions would seriously consider the proposal presented to them, given the fact that at this point government is proposing what it can give.”

Paul Lopez

“Is that the rational behind not giving them what they are asking for in a single instance?”

Oscar Requena

“We cannot, because the government cannot afford it and be believed that a phased in approach would be more reasonable to allow government to continue to grow the economy and be able to be in a better position to support our teachers. We proposed what we can offer and we also proposed what was some of the expectations that we also have. I believe that was made absolutely clear to all parties engaged. I don’t think at any point the union’s team indicate that they were not willing to consider the proposals. I don’t think that was even mentioned.”

P.M. Says Teachers Holding Students “Hostage”

The standoff between the Belize National Teachers Union and the government has taken a sharp turn. Today, classrooms across the country sat empty as teachers staged a coordinated sickout, sending a loud and clear message to the Briceño administration: they’re not backing down. With exams around the corner and graduation season in full swing, the timing couldn’t be more critical. And with no word on when teachers will return, the pressure is mounting. Prime Minister John Briceño isn’t mincing words either, he says the teachers are holding students hostage. So, what happens next? News Five has the latest.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“We cant give what we don’t have and so If they are going to schools then they will have to close the schools because we cannot do more.”

Paul Lopez

“You reaction to sickouts today, I understand schools across the country are closed, students are at home and multiple teachers called in sick.”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Again that is on them. That is for them to look in the mirror and let their conscience be their guide. If they want to continue to sick out, what can I do.”

Paul Lopez

“You must be considering the students, it is exam and graduation time.”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think they should be considering it. They are the teachers, we are paying them with tax payers money and for them to use them as hostages that is on them.”

Education Minister Plea with Teachers to Return to Class

As the teachers’ sickout continues to disrupt classrooms across the country, the Minister of Education is urging calm—and calling for action. Oscar Requena says he’s deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of students left without supervision. Today, he made a heartfelt plea for teachers to return to the classroom, emphasizing the importance of keeping children safe and engaged in learning. As for what happens next, Requena says the ball is now in the government’s court, with the negotiation team set to decide the way forward.

Oscar Requena, Minister of Education

“Absolutely very much concerning because as you know our parents send their children to school. There are issues of safety, issues of students losing contact time and not being engaged in learning. That is a concern for us and parents. I want to make a special plea to our teachers. I believe in good faith, we are still in negotiations, I believe that respectfully our teachers should reconsider and go back to the classroom. We want to ensure that first and foremost our children are safe and meaningful engage in learning.”

Paul Lopez

“How do you plan to tackle this situation if it escalates to further sickout and with the twenty-days notice of strike action already being issued?”

Oscar Requena

“Well it is a matter for the joint negotiating team and for us to be guided by Cabinet to consider a way forward. What we have to do as the ministry of education, we will continue to be proactive, monitor the situation, and we are also appealing with management to be able to support this process, because management also have a responsibility to ensure our children are safe and are in schools. You may have heard the presentation made by Mr. Usher where he said that if you really calculate, even though it is a phased in approach in terms of the benefits, it really works out to about fourteen percent. It is something the teachers should consider.”

Minister Says, Government Proposal Totals 14% Salary Adjustments Over 3 Years

The future of the government’s proposal remains uncertain as the joint unions have yet to decide on its acceptance. The Belize National Teachers Union has already issued a 21-day strike notice, and if its members vote against the proposal, industrial action will follow. Meanwhile, the proposal—approved by Cabinet—has sparked debate during the 2025 budget discussions. Minister of Public Service Henry Charles Usher weighed in, highlighting that teachers and public servants are set to receive a 14% salary increase spread over the next three years.

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service

“Salary adjustment, in reference to the salary adjustment the government is proposing a three percent salary adjustment in 2025 and an additional increment at the start of fiscal year 2026/2027 to make up for the frozen increments in 2021. In addition, the remaining five point five percent and the second frozen increment will be adjusted in a maximum three-year period. Mr. Speaker, each increment represents two point five to three percent of an adjustment. So the actual figure is not eight point five percent, but over three years will equal to fourteen percent in this three-year period.”