Belize's Education: No Internet, Computers. Why?

Belize's education system is based on the British system but has been influenced by the US academic syllabus, particularly through the Jesuits. While most tertiary and secondary schools in Belize have access to the internet and computer labs, much of the primary school system does not. However, there have been positive moves to change this, including the Free Internet for Schools program by Belize Telemedia Limited, which offers free internet connections to schools. Belize has decent internet coverage, but it is often slow and expensive. Internet popularity is growing, and improvements are being made to increase speeds and lower costs.

Poor infrastructure in rural areas

Belize has decent internet coverage, which is now widely available and affordable. However, it is still slow and expensive compared to other countries. Previously, internet access was limited to urban areas and was expensive, but this has improved over time.

The country has multiple internet service providers, and while this has not yet resulted in increased speeds and lower prices, it has made internet access more common. Satellite internet is an option for people in rural areas, but it is costly. The need for satellite internet in these areas arises from the limited infrastructure, which makes physical ground connections impossible.

Belize has a national telecommunications company, Belize Telemedia Limited, which was nationalized in 2011. Before this, it was a monopoly, which resulted in good coverage but poor service and high costs. While the nationalization has improved the situation, Belize still has the second slowest internet in the Caribbean.

The Free Internet for Schools program by Belize Telemedia Limited aims to provide free internet connections to schools, which could help improve the integration of technology in classrooms. However, it is unclear if this program has been successful, as more than a year has passed since its inception.

Lack of integration of technology into curricula

Belize's education system is based on the British system but has been influenced by the US academic syllabus, particularly through the Jesuits. While most tertiary and secondary schools in Belize have access to the internet and computer labs, much of the primary school system does not. Some prominent high schools and primary schools in more urban areas have access to computers and the internet but have not integrated technology into their curricula.

There have been some positive moves to change the current status. The Free Internet for Schools program by Belize Telemedia Limited offers free internet connections to schools at speeds of up to 256 kbit/s. The Ministry of Education has also embarked on a project to digitize course materials so that technology mediums may be used to deliver the content. However, the status of this project is unclear, as more than a year has passed since its inception.

The Sacred Heart Junior College (SHJC) in San Ignacio, Cayo district of Belize, started a project to get an internet connection in every primary school and establish a web presence for the schools via the free Google Sites for Education. The project, Primary Wireless Web Labs, encourages schools to use more technology in the classroom for non-IT classes. SHJC further encourages schools to access resources like the Khan Academy, educational YouTube videos, and online teaching materials to make learning more fun and interactive.

Believe in Belize, an education program, initiated a project to donate 205 computers to 41 schools and 1 junior college in Belize to aid in the establishment of school computer labs. This project will benefit about 6,000 students in the first year and another 6,000 over the five-year estimated life of the computers.

Inadequate teacher training for virtual learning

Belize's education system is based on the British education system and is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary education. While most tertiary and secondary schools in Belize have access to the internet and computer labs, much of the primary school system does without. Some prominent high schools and primary schools in more urban areas have access to computers and the internet but have failed to integrate technology into their curricula.

The lack of integration of technology into the curricula can be attributed to inadequate teacher training for virtual learning. Teacher training programs often do not provide adequate training to aspiring teachers, leaving them unprepared to accommodate rigorous instructional goals. This is further exacerbated by the hesitation of teachers to incorporate new technologies into their classrooms due to a lack of information and training.

To address this issue, it is essential to provide teachers with comprehensive training that equips them with the skills and knowledge to effectively integrate technology into their teaching methods. This training should include practical, hands-on experience with educational technology and guidance on how to adapt their teaching strategies to utilize these new tools effectively. Additionally, teacher training programs should ensure that their curricula are up-to-date and relevant to the technological advancements in education.

Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize the financial constraints that schools may face when adopting new technologies. Therefore, support and resources should be provided to help schools invest in the necessary infrastructure and equipment to integrate technology into their classrooms. This can include grants, subsidies, or partnerships with technology companies to ensure that all schools have access to the required tools for virtual learning.

By addressing the issue of inadequate teacher training for virtual learning and providing the necessary resources, Belize can work towards ensuring that its students have access to quality education that utilizes the benefits of technology to enhance their learning experience.

Limited government oversight of schools

Belize's education system is rooted in the English system but has been heavily influenced by the US academic syllabus, particularly through the Jesuits. The Catholic Church, and to a lesser extent the Methodists and Anglicans, operate most of Belize's premier public schools under a Church-State partnership. This has its roots in the country's history as a British colony.

The education system in Belize is governed by the Education Act (Chapter 36 of the Laws of Belize). The act makes education compulsory between the ages of 5 and 14 for primary education. Primary education is free in some schools, mostly in the Orange Walk and Cayo districts. However, related expenses such as uniforms, books, and annual school fees can be a financial strain on families.

The government or private, community-based boards of governors administer over 50% of secondary institutions. The preponderance of government institutions at the secondary level is a relatively new development. As recently as 1980, the majority of secondary schools were under religious management. However, even today, denominational representatives retain considerable influence on the managing boards of private, ostensibly non-denominational institutions.

While most tertiary and secondary schools in Belize have access to the internet and computer labs, much of the primary school system does without. Some prominent high schools and primary schools in more urban areas have access to computers and the internet but have failed to integrate technology to deliver curricula.

Most pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools (80%) are privately operated with limited government oversight, including both publicly subsidized schools and those that are not subsidized. The limited government oversight of schools in Belize can be attributed to several factors, including the country's history, the influence of religious denominations, and resource constraints.

Belize's education system has undergone several phases of development, each influenced by political and economic changes. During the initial phase, from 1816 to 1892, the church-state partnership became institutionalized, with religious denominations competing for influence. In the second phase, from 1893 to 1934, denominational rivalry intensified, and US Jesuit missionaries gained influence. Reforms were proposed to increase spending and improve standards. By the 1970s, the Belizean government had taken the lead in establishing new schools, especially at the secondary and tertiary levels, but the expansion outstripped the state's resources, leading to a heavy reliance on external aid, mainly from the US.

The limited government oversight of schools in Belize has resulted in varying levels of educational opportunities and standards across the country. While some schools, particularly in urban areas, have access to technology and resources, others, especially in rural and southern regions, lack trained teachers, books, and equipment. The government has implemented initiatives to improve the situation, such as the Free Internet for Schools program, but the impact of limited government oversight on the overall quality of education remains a challenge.

High costs of internet access

Belize has a decent internet coverage, but it is often slow and expensive. This is due to the country's history of having a monopoly telecommunications company, which resulted in good coverage but poor service and high costs. While the company has since been nationalized and competition has been allowed, internet plans in Belize can still be costly. For example, unless you live in an area with fiber optics, the fastest internet speed available is 16Mbps, which costs BZD400 per month.

Internet access is particularly expensive for those in rural areas of Belize. While wireless internet is available from DigiCell and Smart, with pre-paid bundles and monthly subscriptions suitable for various devices, satellite internet is often the only option for those in remote locations. This can be costly, with prices starting at around US $120 per month for unlimited use.

The high costs of internet access in Belize are not limited to residents; tourists and expatriates also face high prices when trying to stay connected. International roaming service is expensive, and purchasing data plans from local carriers is not recommended. Instead, budget-conscious travellers are advised to rely on Wi-Fi, which is accessible in many hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops.

The cost of internet access in Belize has improved in recent years, with prices dropping and speeds increasing. However, it still has the second slowest internet in the Caribbean, and the high costs continue to be a barrier for many, especially those in rural areas.

Frequently asked questions