And with schools reopening, we also asked the Minister about the free education program on the Southside of Belize City. He explained that they will likely exceed their expectation of new enrollments, especially since the program has been extended to Toledo:
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"It's increased in several schools. Maud Williams alone this year has gone up almost, I think, 100 new students at Maud Williams. Sadie Vernon, Gwen Liz have all reported increased enrollments. So, you know, I think we were targeting a little over a thousand students because before we had like 800 and we were targeting maybe an additional 200 across, we will exceed that.
"I think it will be probably more like 1200 students, 400 additional students in those schools. And then keep in mind, we have also extended it to the south of Belize, five schools in the south, I believe three in Toledo and two in Stann Creek."
"And there again, we were capturing, I think another 1500 students in that, with the rollout of that program. So, I think it's been very successful so far, you know, and we'll continue to invest in that program."
