Belmopan – The donation ceremony for a newly constructed building at the San Pedro Government School, funded by the United States Government through U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), took place today with officials from the U.S. Embassy and the Belize Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology presiding. The US$435,000 contribution will serve students and staff from the San Pedro village and surrounding communities. The U.S. Embassy was represented by Public Affairs Officer Adam Benz and Security Cooperation Officer Major Jason Booth. Chief Executive Officer Dian Castillo-Maheia and Chief Education Officer Yolanda Gongora represented the Belize Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology.
The three-classroom building comes with a four-stall restroom, an elevated water tank, and a sidewalk connecting the facility to existing structures. The project originated under the Beyond the Horizon 2020 initiative, a USSOUTHCOM humanitarian and civic assistance program comprising the construction of two educational facilities in the Corozal District as well as medical campaigns.
“The United States is a proud supporter of Belize’s efforts to get students back to face-to-face learning, whether through the donation of hundreds of thousands of Pfizer vaccines, or through this kind of important construction initiative that reunites teachers with their students in a modern learning environment,” emphasized Public Affairs Officer Adam Benz. “This donation from the American people is an investment in the future of Belize’s youth. It reflects the United States’ commitment to democracy, diversity, and equity, as we stand with Belize to help improve the quality of children’s education in rural communities.”
CEO Dian Castillo-Maheia said, “We are grateful for the kindness and the generosity of the American people. Their contribution will positively impact the children of this community for many years.”
Additional U.S.-funded new construction is underway at the San Antonio Government School in Corozal. This educational facility is expected to be completed in April of this year
