On Saturday 36 Belizeans graduated from The University Of the West Indies with Master's Degrees in Inclusive and Special Education.
Their accomplishment coming in the wake of disabilities week underscores the capacity of Belize's teachers to provide wider-ranging competency-based and individual educational plans.
Their accomplishment was celebrated by CEO of Education Dian Maheia who assured the graduates that this is just the start of solidifying Belize's plans for special education.
Here's some of what she had to say in celebration of the graduates.
Dian Maheia, CEO, Ministry Of Education, Science, Technology
"Those of you who have chosen to focus on inclusive and special education I am so grateful for you. Your choice is s important to our country, not just for you."
"I am happy that you are ready to join our work. The Ministry of Education Culture, Science, and technology shares your commitment to special education to inclusion in the general work of improving education in many different areas."
"But I congratulate every special education officer and every teacher who has already begun to learn and to work towards the development of IEPs for those who absolutely need them, it matters what you're doing, don't stop, it's hard and it's going to get harder because people are going to continue to push back against us and say why are you giving me more work but we are going to keep moving and keep doing. Over the course of this calendar year, 2022"
"Our. Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and technology have already collaborated to provide 24 and counting training for principals, school leaders, teachers, officers, and parents. Different areas will support students with special education needs. That is unprecedented."
