Funding Belize's Education: Where Does The Money Come From?

Belize's education system has been influenced by both British and American traditions. The country's schools are funded in three ways: by the government, by churches, or privately. The Ministry of Education oversees all schools in Belize and directly administers a large portion of the public schools. The rest are run by churches, predominantly Catholic, but also Protestant, evangelical, Mennonite, Seventh-day Adventist, and Mormon. There are also private schools, which tend to be located in areas with larger expat populations, such as Ambergris Caye and Belize City.

Government-funded schools

The formal education system in Belize consists of four levels: pre-primary, primary, secondary, and tertiary. Three types of educational institutions operate in Belize: government, government-aided, and private.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MOECT) oversees all schools in Belize and is expected to work in partnership, consultation, and cooperation with churches, communities, and private organizations to ensure sufficient and efficient provision of education in the country. The MOECT certifies and pays nearly all teachers and directly administers a large portion of the public schools.

The structure of the Belize education system is based on the British model, with three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary education lasts for eight years, including two years of infant education and six standards. Secondary education consists of four forms, followed by the sixth form, a two-year program equivalent to junior college.

The Belizean government has taken steps towards making the education system more secular and less sectarian. One of the first steps was to ensure all teachers had degrees or certificates in teaching, which created a shortage of teachers compounded by low salaries.

Government-aided schools

The education system in Belize is governed by the Education Act (Chapter 36 of the Laws of Belize) and the Education and Training Act (ETA, 2010). There are three types of educational institutions in Belize: government, government-aided, and private. This answer will focus on government-aided schools.

The curriculum and cultural orientation of government-aided schools vary according to the managing authorities. Most schools emphasize academic and commercial studies, while some also offer technical-vocational programs. Education in government-aided schools is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 14. However, there may be additional costs for uniforms, books, and special fees.

The Ministry of Education, under the general direction of the Minister, works in partnership, consultation, and cooperation with churches, communities, voluntary and private organizations, to provide sufficient and efficient education in Belize. The Ministry certifies and pays nearly all teachers and directly administers a large portion of the public schools.

While the quality of education in government-aided schools can vary, it is a concern for expats with children. Issues include underpaid and untrained teachers, underfunding, and a lack of supplies and resources. However, the Ministry of Education is working to modernize the school system and receives support from organizations such as CARICOM and other international agencies.

Private schools

The fees for private schools vary. The typical tuition cost for private schools in Belize is around $20 per month. However, some schools charge significantly more, such as the Island Academy on Ambergris Caye, which charges $3,000 per year per student.

One of the best-known private schools in Belize is San Pedro High School in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. It is funded privately and by the government and is open to all residents of San Pedro.

Other notable private schools in Belize include:

• Belize Elementary School in Belize City
• Belize High School in Belize City
• Saint Catherine Academy for Girls in Belize City
• St. John's High School for Boys in Belize City
• EP York in Belize City
• The Island Academy in Ambergris Caye
• QSI International School of Belize in Belmopan
• Peninsula International Academy (PIA) at the bottom of the Placencia Peninsula

Funding for higher education

The Belizean government has historically played a central role in funding and establishing schools, especially at the secondary and tertiary levels. However, the expansion of educational opportunities has often outpaced the state's resources, leading to a reliance on external aid. Since 1981, the United States has been the primary source of this aid, which has caused fears among Belizeans of a new form of imperialist control.

The government's role in higher education funding was particularly notable in 1979 when the ruling People's United Party (PUP) attempted to establish the Belize College of Arts, Science, and Technology (Belcast). The PUP envisioned Belcast as a government-run institution free from church influence and secured funding from the European Economic Community for a campus in Belmopan. However, the project was never realised due to a change in government.

In recent years, Belize has continued to develop its higher education system with the establishment of the University of Belize in 2000, which combines several existing educational facilities. The government has also approved the transformation of St. John's College into a four-year university, which will offer bachelor's degree programs starting in 2024.

Belize has also received international funding for its education system. In 2023, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) partnered to provide $20 million in financing to support the Skills for the Future Program in Belize. This program aims to improve foundational learning, bridge skill gaps, and prepare students for a changing job market, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education.

Education costs

The cost of education in Belize varies depending on the type of school and level of education. The Belizean education system consists of three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

Primary education in Belize is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 14. However, parents are responsible for covering the costs of uniforms, books, and other related expenses, which can be a financial burden for low-income families. As of 2014, around 63,000 students were enrolled in primary schools.

Secondary education in Belize consists of four "forms," each lasting a year. This level of education is also free in government and government-aided schools, but it comes with additional costs such as books and fees that can be unaffordable for many Belizean families. The typical tuition for private secondary schools is around $20 per month, but this can be covered by the government for students from needy families.

Tertiary education in Belize includes community colleges, junior colleges, and universities. An example of the cost at this level is the University of Belize, which charges Belizean citizens and permanent residents $675 per semester for tuition (15 credit hours) and $210 per semester for fees, plus living expenses.

Private international schools are also an option for expats in Belize, with annual tuition and fees ranging from $2000 to $7000. These schools tend to be located in areas with larger expat populations, such as Ambergris Caye and Belize City.

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