Ground was broken today at Stella Maris Primary School for their new Life Skills and Learning Center Rehabilitation Project. This project will see the school renovated, including upgrades to the lobby, administrative offices, bathrooms, and kitchen.
It will also include more accessibility features including a wheelchair ramp, a physical therapy room, and more.
And following the death of young student Gabriel Orellano who wandered off and drowned, it will have more security, and a special tribute. The Education Minister told us more.
Francis Fonseca, Minister Of FAFT, ECST
"We've been working on it for a for a number of years. It's very significant. Very significant. You know, as I have always said, Stella Maris holds a very special place in my heart. You know, it's an institution where we protect and uplift some of the most vulnerable members of our society, young people, young adults who are differently abled. So, you know, for a very long time, you know, we have felt that, you know, the facilities are inadequate. They do not provide accessibility. They do not meet many of the standards required for persons with disabilities. So it's something we've been working on for a number of years, and I'm very happy that, with the support of the Caribbean Development Bank and the support of our cabinet and government, that we were able to get this project included in our, Belize education sector Reform project two. So it's, you know, a fantastic, opportunity for us to, to meaningfully invest, in the upliftment of these young people."
"My understanding is that the project should take, you know, about a year to complete. So we hope to get started in early January. And hopefully by the end of the year, the project, will be completed so that they can then return to their institution."
Reporter:
"Less than a year ago, young Gabriel Orellano walked out of this campus. Very unfortunate situation. Has any review taken place since then? And will any policy change because of that review?"
Francis Fonseca, Minister Of FAFT, ECST
"Oh, yeah. Yeah. Immediately we undertook a review of all of our safety features of our protocols, our safety protocols, our response to these incidents. So that took place. And of course, we have been, you know, at the personal level, we've been working with the family. You know, to ensure certain things are in place, for them. A part of, you know, the, the tribute, when we open the building, we will dedicate a special plaque to the young Gabriel when we open the building. So that's going to be a part of this project. But safety features are critically important. That's why an important component of this rehabilitation is fencing, this entire facility will be properly fenced. You know, and we'll ensure that, these students are safe in this compound."
The project is funded through GOB and CDB.
