Smaller Turnout at Children’s Rally, But Pride Shines Through

Last year, Belize City’s Civic Center was almost filled to capacity with students from twenty-five primary schools at the Annual Children’s Rally. This year, the turnout was much smaller after heavy morning rains. Of the twenty-four primary schools invited, only about ten were able to attend. Still, the energy remained high as students sang patriotic songs, danced to Belizean music, waved their Belizean flags, and won prizes.

 

Zenida Lanza, Reporting

Rainy skies thinned the crowd at this year’s Children’s Rally, but they couldn’t wash away the pride of the students who showed up. The annual rally celebrates patriotism and aims to inspire young Belizeans to cherish their country. Even though only ten schools made it, less than half of those invited, the spirit of the rally carried on strong.

 

Sebastian Cab, Center Manager, Belize District Education Center

“We acknowledge and we understand the students who normally would be like about three to four thousand students would be here. We normally get like twenty-four schools here, ramp packed. But this morning was a major challenge with the weather and it’s beyond our control. So, we truly thank those schools who are here this morning, made the sacrifice. And of course, we understand our schools who are out there, who didn’t make it. Our hearts go out to them because truly some of the schools were flooded out this morning. So we totally understand. We normally get, like I said, like twenty-four schools here, like three thousand to four thousand students. But this morning, we only got about 10 schools in attendance this morning.”

 

The program featured lively performances and words of encouragement, with motivational speeches from the Deputy Mayor and Miss Universe Belize, music from Gladden’s Band, and patriotic showcases from the students themselves.

 

Isabella Zabaneh, Miss Universe Belize

“A lot of my life has been very creative, and I wouldn’t say I’m the most creative person, but creativity has often been shown in the way I express myself, and I’ve done that in poetry. And so today I recited a poem that I was able to write last year for Independence Day, which was really special, and I think the students can learn from it, but also just have fun with it.”

 

And while attendance was smaller than expected, the children’s excitement filled the Civic Center.

 

Giyah Thompson, Student, St. Joseph School

“It was really good, it was raining a lot and we were a little bit delayed.”

 

Zenida Lanza

“Okay, and are you excited for the performances?”

 

Giyah Thompson

“Oh yeah, they look really cool from what I’ve seen so far…I just want to have some fun.”

 

Zenida Lanza

“Okay, what kind of fun do you want to have here?”

 

Giyah Thompson

“I mean, like, dancing and singing and seeing all the other schools and my school perform.”

 

Teachers agreed the students’ spirits never wavered, despite the gloomy skies.

 

Aalaiyah Hislop, Head Teacher, Wesley Upper School

“The turnout is very poor to bring our about 50 students here today, The turnout is very poor because of the weather, but we gave a little incentive. The students know that they were going to receive their treats today. So that little incentive still gave us the ability to bring out about 50 students here today…They are still excited. They like the dances that are happening here. They like the conversation that they had with Mr. Miller…It’s a sad day because we don’t have everyone here participating, but we’re making the best out of it.”

 

Even with the rains keeping numbers down, Belizean pride shone brightly in every performance and every little flag waved. Reporting for News Five, I’m Zenida Lanza.

 

Children Nationwide Celebrate Belize at Annual Rally | Greater Belize Media