Education Belize Project #43785

Send 175 Students to High School in Belize

by Caye Caulker Ocean Academy

Send 175 Students to High School in Belize

Project Report | Nov 16, 2020
Thank you for Graduating 16 Teens & Empowering Another 150!

By Heidi Curry & Penny Williams | Founder & Volunteer Fundraising Coordinator

Yard signs for the OA Class of 2020

Thank you! Mil gracias! Merci beaucoup! Xie xie!

With generous support from donors like you, Ocean Academy students have continued to learn and grow in 2020. Because of YOU . . .

OA was able to end the 2019-2020 school year strong:

100% of students’ school fees were covered for the four final months of school. This support gave incredible relief to students and families who remained without employment due to Belize’s borders being closed to tourism. (Education is not free in Belize)

Students in need were equipped with devices (repurposed from campus) and internet installations.

One-on-one check-ins, virtual tutoring and mentoring ensured success despite the incredible challenges faced by these resilient teens.

Two days before graduation, the OA Youth Innovation Challenge Team, who had advanced from regional, won the National First Place with their idea for “Purchase with Purpose” online store to fund education in this time of need.

All of the 16 seniors graduated in a beautiful, socially distanced graduation ceremony.

94% of all first-, second-, and third-year students successfully completed the year and entered the next grade level.

And in 2020-2021, we are able to continue to provide a beacon of hope for a brighter future:

150 students are engaging in online learning, critical thinking, and socialization everyday.

Students and families are receiving sponsorships for tuition, internet, and devices along with technical, academic, and emotional support.

Although the challenges remain - nine months without tourism, economic challenge, floods, tropical storms, hurricane threats, and steadily rising COVID cases/casualties - one thing remains certain: because of continued support from donors like you, OA students are enriching their minds and increasing their skills to equip themselves for an ever-changing future. You are giving them strength and hope and for that we are eternally grateful.

Thank you,

Heidi Curry, Founder

Penny Williams, Volunteer Fundraising Coordinator

Hands to Heart Center for the Mindfulness Circle

Valedictorian D. Novelo and Board Chair S. Pesos

Ocean Academy Class of 2020

Youth Innovation Challenge Team National 1st Place

Thank You

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