About Belize

Belize is situated in Central America, south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula . It is the only English speaking country in Central America. It is a popular tourist resort for divers and snorkellers, as the 2^nd longest barrier reef in the world is just off shore; and for those interested in archaeology Belize has many ancient Mayan sites. There are many national parks with beautiful scenery and lots of wild life in the sub-tropical rain forest to keep tourists interested and occupied – or they can just relax by the beautiful Caribbean Sea or enjoy the wide range of cultural events.

But many Belizeans never get to see what is on their own doorstep; although Belize’s ranking on the world poverty lists has risen recently, this is not a true indication of the situation facing most Belizeans. As everywhere, a small minority have access to the wealth, but the vast majority live on less than US$2000 per year.

•       Population is approx 330,000, but 50% of the population is 18 yrs old or younger (2008)

•       43.2% of Belizeans live in poverty - an increase from 2002, when 33.5% of the population lived in poverty.

•        15% 5-14 yr old are not in primary school

•        There are only enough places for 50% of high school aged children and high-school education is not free

•        The drop-out rate from school is high and there is a lack of technical / vocational educational opportunities

•        Youth unemployment is 24% - but male youth is 18.7% and for female youth 32.8% (2007)

•        Gang violence related to unemployment, drugs and guns is common

•       1 in 4 of all homes are headed by a female (2006)

•       1 in 5 children live only with their mother, although their father is still living – in urban areas this rises to 24% (1 in 4);  22% of children grow up without a father in their lives

•        7% don’t live with either parent – although they are both alive

•       Belize has the highest rate of HIV infection in central America and 2^nd highest in the Caribbean

•        1 in 5 pregnancies in Belize is to a teenager (2007) and 2/3rds of pregnant teens did not plan their pregnancy

•         Child abuse and exploitation are major issues.

You and your church will be blessed by bringing you gifts and talents to the Belizean people!

There are several medical facilities attached to the churches, that house medical, dental, or eye clinics with the help of your mission team.  All of the  churches are involved in running children’s programs, and have annual district camps. Your team can help the local teachers with these programs. With the help again of mission teams, much needed building construction and refurbishment is planned, both for the churches and the schools. 

If you are a team leader, we want to help you set up your 2010 team at a very reasonable cost!