What Does It Take to Build Future Leaders?

Seventeen students heading into first form received scholarships at Pathlight Belize’s annual awards ceremony this week, as the organisation marked nearly two decades of investing in young Belizeans.

“What makes the scholarship different is our wrap-around service that we provide and that opportunity to have that deep relationship with God, that spiritual growth and development with our students,” Program Manager Christina Escalante told News 5.

Pathlight, which has been operating since 2008, runs after-school programmes across multiple centres, including Belize City, Orange Walk, and Belmopan. At the Belize City centre alone, the organisation serves roughly 58 students in its after-school programme and another 32 at the tertiary level.

“My hope is for them to be the best version of themselves, for them to embrace the opportunities that they get and to see those dreams come to fulfilment,” Escalante said, adding that the organisation’s long-term goal is to see its students occupy leadership positions across Belizean society.

Among this year’s recipients is 12-year-old Kareem Gabourel of Belmopan, who will attend Edward P. York High School in August. He said receiving the scholarship lifted a financial burden from his family and brought him closer to his dream of becoming a paediatrician.

Also awarded was 12‑year‑old Christy Engleton, who will attend St Catherine’s Academy. She said she hopes to study science and become a dentist. “I’m very excited because this could really help me a lot. I get help from my new mentors. I get to make new friends,” she said.