Too Hot to Learn? Rising Temperatures Disrupt Belize Classrooms

The heatwave sweeping across Belize is hitting more than just the streets; it’s now spilling into the classroom. At one Belize City primary school, soaring temperatures are making it harder for students to stay comfortable and focused. In response, administrators are stepping in, making changes to keep classrooms cool, students hydrated, and learning on track. But just how intense is the heat, and how are schools coping? Shane Williams has the story.

 

Shane Williams, Reporting

It’s just before noon here at Belize Elementary School and the sound of youthful exuberance travels far beyond the playground. You wouldn’t know it from the bursts of laughter and playful noise, but behind it all, the heat right now is scorching. Currently, the temperature is ninety degrees Fahrenheit, quite mild for this May, but with sixty-six percent humidity it really feels closer to one hundred degrees. The heat isn’t letting up, and inside classrooms, both students and teachers are feeling the strain. Here, school administrators are taking practical steps to help children cope with the soaring temperatures.

 

Majiba Sharp, Principal, Belize Elementary/High School

“The month of May is extremely hot, especially in May leading into June. And we did see children being affected by the heat in the classrooms. So we decided to change just for the last few weeks of school, allowing them to wear casual.”

 

Instead of the usual button-up uniforms and heavy fabrics, students are allowed to attend classes in lighter, more comfortable clothing. The school is  also encouraging constant hydration throughout the day.

 

Majiba Sharp

“We have water coolers all around school so we want them to stay hydrated, which is really of utmost importance. So they’re allowed to have their water bottles with them in class, and they can refill as many times during the day as they want to.”

 

Teachers say the heat is taking a real toll, especially in the afternoons, when classrooms get even hotter and focus starts to slip. But with a few quick adjustments, they’re helping students stay calmer, more comfortable, and better able to pay attention.

 

Majiba Sharp

“The addition of the change in clothing, I think, really helps a lot. Yeah.”

 

Shane Williams

“Have you seen any positive results?”

 

Majiba Sharo

“Positive? Yes. Nobody’s fainting from the heat. So yeah the kids have responded well and we don’t see them as logy, and they don’t complain as much. It’s still hot, but we don’t have as many complaints.”

 

As temperatures continue climbing this May, Belize Elementary School hopes its flexible approach can help students stay safe, healthy and ready to learn. Shane Williams for News Five.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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