BELIZE PODCAST EPISODES
Belize is a small Central American country located on the eastern coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
Hear from Vernon, who took the initiative to make a huge difference on Ambergris Caye, Belize. Working with local authorities, he was able to facilitate the building of a school in an impoverished community. Volunteer in this school while visiting Belize, contributing to a great, expanding project. https://hcefoundation.org/
Hear from Susan Fenske, the President of Rotary, Ambergris Caye, Belize. This Rotary Club supports many community initiatives, including a variety of school projects. They are supporting an initiative for a new community center, as well as school literacy projects. Join a Rotary meeting while you’re on the island and discover ways you can support them, donating children’s books, and volunteering. https://www.facebook.com/RotaryClubofAmbergrisCaye?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Now it’s time to hear from Lexi (the daughter of Elizabeth, who was last week’s interviewee). Currently a university student, Lexi has years of experience supporting the refugee community in Jacksonville, FL. Now she shares her perspective of working with foster children at Hope Haven Belize. As part of a family vacation, Lexi shares the impact of engaging in the communities where one travels! www.Hopehaven.org; You can donate in the U.S.
Listen to Elizabeth, a Belize & Cuba volunteer, share her experience volunteering with Hope Haven Children’s Home on Ambergris Caye, Belize. Hear about the unforgettable impact of spending time sharing stories and engaging in STEM activities with the foster children. She highly recommends this experience for all ages of volunteers. She was so inspired that when she returned to Florida, she challenged her graduate students to write a grant, in support of this organization. Hear how volunteering was a highlight for all her family members, engaging in the community at a deeper level. www.Hopehaven.org; donate in U.S.
Ariana Gongora, Principal of A Brighter Tomorrow, shares updates from last year’s interview (*S2 E4). Hear how the support of Rotary and others has enabled them to restore the preschool playground and increase their enrollment to 29 students. They are now envisioning a primary school. Donations of educational supplies are very welcome. Come for a visit and consider sponsoring a child. https://www.facebook.com/BrightertomorrowpreschoolBelize/
Join us to hear Steve Darr share about one of the most powerful pathways for overcoming cycles of poverty and oppression - education! This is why education is at the center of many of Peacework’s programs, as they work alongside school, community, and government leaders to enhance educational opportunities for everyone, from primary school youth to adult learners. By increasing access and quality of educational opportunities in literacy, numeracy, and leadership skills, Peacework’s educational programs are a key strategy for individual and community empowerment around the world. https://www.peacework.org
Discover how MarAlliance aids Belize's offshore waters through conservation efforts. National Coordinator Kirah Forman-Castillo highlights community benefits, including local fisherman training. Engage in immersive expeditions to support their work—experience close encounters with sharks and turtles, participate in species tagging, or "adopt" one for migration tracking at www.Maralliance.org
Calling marine enthusiasts to Belize! Combat the threat of lionfish to the Meso-American Barrier Reef. Enjoy a safe and English-speaking environment. Support reef preservation through 7-day snorkeling or 4-day dive trips at https://tcmsbelize.org, linked with Monkey Bay https://monkeybaybelize.com. Experience the beauty of the reef and its nocturnal eels and octopus!
Explore Central American oceans with James, Marine Station Manager on Tobacco Caye, Belize. Contribute to reef preservation through lionfish expeditions, plastic collection for eco-bricks, or coral research. Relax in over-the-water cabanas while enjoying activities. Learn more at https://tcmsbelize.org, affiliated with Monkey Bay https://monkeybaybelize.com.
Listen to Chloe’s experience as an intern with Saga Humane Society. Last week’s episode shares the history and importance of Saga. In this episode, you can learn ways to come alongside their work. If you love walking dogs on the beach or helping with cats, there are lots of ways you can support this animal shelter. If you happen to be in the medical field, medical donations are always appreciated, as well as other animal supplies to bring on your next trip to Belize! https://www.sagahumanesociety.com
In 1999, Eileen Jamison and local leaders founded Belize's first humane society, Saga, addressing the lack of veterinary services on Ambergris Caye. For 23 years, Saga has improved animal health and reduced stray populations. Visitors can tour the facility, interact with animals, and contribute by donating toys, collars, and more. Check their wishlist at sagahumanesociety.com. Saga is a registered non-profit with 501C3 tax-exempt status, welcoming and appreciating donations. https://www.sagahumanesociety.com
Dreaming of a Wildlife Rescue for reptiles and birds? ACES is the place! A non-profit dedicated to Belize's wildlife conservation, ACES offers 24/7 emergency response, crocodile conflict resolution, and community education. Travelers can visit, witness rehabilitation efforts, and contribute via Amazon wishlist, old pillow cases, or online donations. ACES, 95% donation-supported with 501c3 status, welcomes your support at https://www.aceswildliferescue.org.
Passionate about animals? Explore volunteering at the Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center! Join Jamal, the Conservation Program Manager, to learn about conservation projects and Belize's diverse wildlife. Celebrating its 40th year, the zoo aims to educate and connect visitors with the beauty of these beasts. Support the zoo through VIP tours, "adopt an animal," or a Jungle Lodge stay. Engage in community education programs and experience the roar of howler monkeys! Discover more at https://www.belizezoo.org
If you missed last week's interview, I recommend listening to understand the context of this week's conversation with Jecelyn Garcia. Jecelyn, mentored by Ocean Academy during her time at Purple Passion, shares her experience in the school's mentorship program. The program, linking students with business owners, enhances their skills and confidence for post-graduation employment. Learn about Jecelyn's journey and discover ways to contribute, whether remotely or during an island visit. Explore more at https://oceanacademy.education and https://purplepassionbeautystudio.com
Tune in to discover the inspiring journey of Stacy, a self-made entrepreneur on Caye Caulker island. From working to pay her own way through high school to becoming a mentor for Ocean Academy's internship program, Stacy embodies the spirit of 'giving back.' Hear how she impacts students' lives through practical business skills and experiences. Ocean Academy is a nonprofit high school on Caye Caulker, and you can learn how to support its mentorship program, whether from a distance or in person, at https://purplepassionbeautystudio.com and https://oceanacademy.education.
Betsy Rosenlund, Board Treasurer of Hope Haven Charities, discusses her personal involvement and the significant impact the organization has on the community of Ambergris Caye. Hope Haven offers shelter and educational opportunities to children of all ages. You can contribute by sharing your talents, whether through art, music, reading, or teaching essential skills. Medical professionals are also welcome to lend their expertise. Located centrally near the local airport, Hope Haven is easily accessible for visits to support their work or sponsor a child. Donations play a crucial role in making a positive difference. https://hopehavenbelize.org
Join us as Kristina Romero, Executive Director of Hope Haven in San Pedro, Belize, shares the organization's history and programs. Established in 2015, Hope Haven includes an orphanage, domestic violence outreach, and a learning center. Learn about their impactful work and ways to support, such as volunteering in the learning center, offering programs to housemothers, or serving as a sponsor or mentor. Make donations to their U.S.-based nonprofit at https://hopehavenbelize.org or find them on FB & Instagram: Hopehavenbelize.
After having taught primary school for five years, Mrs. Ariani Gongora noticed children experiencing major challenges with reading. Additionally, she recognized the challenge of school access - both financially and in proximity for children in San Pedro, Belize. Thus, she and her husband decided to build a preschool, breaking the walls of their existing house to create it! Join us to hear the impact of this school in their community and how their partnership with the Rotary Club of San Pedro has supported the expansion of their work. Bring some school supplies to donate on your next visit to Amberguis Caye!
Join us to learn about a collaborative grant project between U.S. and Belize Rotary clubs addressing a sanitation issue at an elementary school on Ambergris Caye. Discover how you can contribute to building sidewalks and participate in other Rotary projects supporting local needs in San Pedro. Susan shares Rotary's engagement in needs assessments, including food distributions, school projects, literacy programs, and library support. Bring English and bilingual books for elementary kids on your next trip and find more ways to contribute at https://rotarysanpedro.org.
As a long-term member of the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary team, Ms. Ruby Enriquez shares her insights of engaging in Belize, from the programming perspective. Receiving students for years, she notes the connections that are made between travelers and local Belizeans, as they participate in service projects, side-by-side. As a community based organization, focused on projects addressing local needs, travelers build relationships, while volunteering their time. Participate in a rewarding experience - from building sidewalks to literacy projects in neighboring schools. You can even join a plastic recycling project to conserve the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world!
Discover Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a Belizean environmental education center. Dedicated to environmental education, community development, and land conservation, Monkey Bay partners with neighboring communities. Eli Miller highlights the benefits of these collaborations, including ecosystem services, afterschool programs, and bird projects. The sanctuary also operates a marine research station for reef clean-up projects and features an innovative solar-powered plastic shredder. Get involved at https://monkeybaybelize.com