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.
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?”
“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?”
“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.