PROSPER Brings Jobs, Hope to Toledo and Stann Creek

Tonight, we’re bringing you a story of hope, action, and transformation, straight from the heart of the south. A new initiative is planting seeds of opportunity in Toledo and Stann Creek districts, and it’s called PROSPER, Participation, Ownership, and Sustainable Progress for Economic Resilience. Leaders from the International Labour Organization, the European Union, and the Government of Belize gathered at Toledo Bible College in Yemeri Grove to officially launch the PROSPER project. It’s a four-year plan to boost local entrepreneurship, create jobs, and build stronger, more resilient communities. With a budget of nearly nine million Belize dollars, PROSPER is all about empowering people, especially youth, women, and indigenous groups, to take charge of their economic futures. ILO Deputy Director Noortje Denkers emphasized that PROSPER is deeply aligned with Belize’s Decent Work Country Program to 2029. She highlighted the ILO’s commitment to employment creation and social inclusion, especially in rural areas. From the Ministry of Economic Transformation, Leroy Martinez reinforced the government’s support, while Minister Florencio Marin Jr. connected PROSPER’s goals to national priorities under Plan Belize.