Developing a responsive training and education system in partnership with AMEXCID
Summary
If education is to be delivered in a way that meets businesses’ needs, then teachers need to understand why change is required, and have the tools to make that change.
Belize, on the eastern coast of Central America, is an emerging tourism destination. With attractions including a rich coral reef and ancient Mayan ruins, visitor numbers are increasing year-on-year.
However, the education system is poor and young people are leaving schools and colleges without the skills that the growing tourism industries so desperately need.
As part of a project with the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID), People 1st has helped to build a more responsive vocational education and training system in Belize.
We supported the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports of Belize by working with the National College of Professional Technical Education (CONALEP Mexico) to share our experience in technical education, employer engagement and professional development for teachers.
This included training teachers, developing learning materials, creating strategic association between the visitor economy and its education and training institutions, and improving the education system’s ability to manage and sustain these changes.
Through the project, vocational education institutions in Belize have worked in partnership on a comprehensive training and development programme for their teachers.
The colleges are now actively involved with employers in their region and have identified new skills training opportunities.
“If we are to add value to our tourism product and capture a larger share of the global market then we need to ensure that our tourism businesses are performing as well as our competitors. Matching the skills required by business will bring jobs, investment and prosperity. Our colleges are now listening and acting upon the needs of our local employers and sending out students with the appropriate skills and qualifications.”
Government of Belize
