Government Emphasizes Education Investments and Mandatory School Age Expansion

Belize Receives $40 Million for Skills-for-the-Future Training

Belize has secured approval for a $40 million investment in skills-for-the-future training to enhance the vocational sector in education. The funding comes from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), both of which are committed to transforming education in Latin America and the Caribbean. Their mission is to accelerate foundational learning, bridge the skills gap, and prepare students for changes and adjustments in the job market. Senator for Government Business, Eamon Courtenay, announced the confirmation of funds last week.

Skills for the Future Program

Under the Inter-American Development Bank loan, $40 million will be allocated to the Skills for the Future program. The objective of this program is to contribute to closing the skills gap and prepare tomorrow’s workforce for the fourth industrial revolution. The $40 million investment will be directed towards this education initiative.

Expanding Mandatory School Age

In addition to addressing the skills gap, Senator Courtenay emphasized the government’s decision to expand the mandatory school age and increase investments in the education sector.

Increasing the compulsory school age will have significant positive social benefits for the country. It ensures that children stay in school, helping to shape their social character and providing them with a longer stay in an educational institution, keeping them away from crime. The government takes great pride in initiatives like the Education Upliftment Project “Together We Rise,” which targets interventions and supports nine government-owned schools benefiting approximately 3.2 thousand students. These schools include Gwen Lizarraga, Excelsior, Maude Williams, Sadie Vernon, Agricultural and National Resource Institute, Delille Academy, Georgetown Technical, Corazon Creek Technical, and the Toledo Community College. In the 2024-2025 budget, the government plans to add 12 additional secondary schools to the upliftment program, extending coverage to an additional 6,000 students, including nine government schools and three government-aided schools.

Other Investments

During the Senate meeting last week, several other areas of investment were announced, particularly in the sectors of health and citizen security.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

   • SDG 4: Quality Education
   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content

   • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

   • Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months.
   • Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training.
   • No specific indicator mentioned for Target 10.2.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

The article highlights the approval of forty million US dollars to invest in skills-for-the-future training in Belize’s vocational sector. This investment aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, as it aims to enhance education and bridge the skills gap for students. Specifically, Target 4.3 is addressed, which focuses on ensuring equal access to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education. The participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months (Indicator 4.3.1) can be used to measure progress towards this target.

The article also mentions the government’s move to expand the mandatory school age and increase investments in the education sector. This connects to SDG 4 and Target 4.3 as well. Additionally, it relates to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, particularly Target 8.6, which aims to reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training. The proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training (Indicator 8.6.1) can be used to measure progress towards this target.

Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, the efforts to expand access to education and reduce inequalities align with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. Specifically, Target 10.2 focuses on empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all individuals. However, no specific indicator is mentioned in the article for measuring progress towards this target.

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Source: lovefm.com

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