Can you BELIZE It?!: That's a WRAP! #research

During my stay and study in Belize, I will be focusing on my research on youth development in San Jose Succotz. I have been asked to conduct research on this area to see if this community could create a youth development program and to have it be sustainable for the years to come! I will be documenting my travels to show you the work I am doing and the adventures that I have had!

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Wow. It feels like yesterday that I just came to this beautiful country to begin my research in Succotz. The weeks have flown by and so has the research! Although it is hard for me to write everything down in these last few weeks that have happened, I am going to continue with the trend of only picking FOUR things to talk about. Instead of things that I learned, I am going to pick the locations that I have been to!

1. National Youth 4-H Center in Belmopan, Belize

Talk about an amazing opportunity for young students in Belize! This youth development school is focused primarily on students that are in between the ages of 14- 17 years old that have dropped out of school. Although it isn't a typical school that focuses primarily on core subjects (writing, reading and math) it focuses on the students first! They take this opportunity to train them on a personal level and in leadership and professional development. They also use the 4-H model and have the students complete an SOE (Supervised Occupational Experience) and then the students have to choose a path between Agriculture of Tourism Development. These students are on the right path to success here at this school!

2. House of Culture in Benque, Belize
This "house" is a museum of sorts that explains the history behind local knowledge in Belize and how Belize got started. Ms. Ingrid Cuncil invited me to come down to several events, including going to a new archeological site that was recently discovered and is being excavated. They determined at the site that it was a village of a mayor and his towns people that served as a "check point" for travelers going to Xuantinich. Interesting stories and structures were seen all day!

3. San Pedro, Belize
Researchers can have fun too! I took this opportunity to go to San Pedro one weekend with a couple of friends that
 I met! While we were there, I was able to snorkeling at a beautiful coral reef and through Shark Ray Alley! Now, I am typically not afraid of sharks but man, these ones weren't afraid to get up close! The dive leader even scooped up a stingray and we got to hold it. It was an awesome time!








4. Succotz Primary School, Belize

Just yesterday I had the opportunity to talk with some 4th graders about 4-H and agriculture! They were a chatty and goofy bunch, but the information they provided me with for me research was great! I wanted to ask them if they knew anything about agriculture, who in their family was involved, and if they were involved in any after school activities. Surprisingly there were more answers about the agriculture questions than the after school activites which is just what I needed to hear for the research! Overall they tired me out, but it was a great day!

These last few weeks have flown by and I am sad to be leaving this Saturday. I hope that one day I can return to this amazing country and help the people in it! For now, I have to finish my research and return safely to the State!