Over the next four years the European Union will invest $17 million
in rural development projects in Belize. The Belize Rural Development program
is the local agency managing the grants and as we showed you last night, yesterday
they signed an agreement with the YWCA for $900,000. This morning three more
agreements, totalling $2.5 million were signed at the University of Belize’s
campus in Belize City. UB will receive $1.3 million to establish a nationwide
network of internet cafes in villages. It’s called the “Rural IT”
project and BRDP’s Technical Director Marcelino Avila explained the vision.
Dr. Marcelino Avila, Technical Director - BRDP
“They will put four to five or five to six internet cafes in each
district. In addition to that, we expect they will also be able to network or
connect all of them so that they could be some kind of sharing of information,
sharing of materials, of software they are utilizing. But most importantly of
how to manage the internet so they can successful in terms of the roles we will
expect that they will play in the development of the communities and in having
financially sustainable enterprise or income generating activity.”
The Social Investment Fund and the Citrus Growers Association each received
$900,000 grants.
Bridget Cullerton, Executive Director - CGA
“Part of what we are looking to do is empower our persons there, especially
those in what may be characterized our poor rural communities, empower them
economically and that is primarily helping with micro-enterprise development. And so we are looking to help with things like create nature trails on your
farm as a tourism product, that’s possible. Very many small farmers are
looking to lose their farms right now or lose their land.
The whole focus will be to help empower people economically in very many
ways. One of the key ways in our area is the cultural enhancement. They are
very many cultural groups, performing groups, dance and other cultural activities
that are struggling and so they can’t explore their art and their talent
and what we do very well. These funds should be able to help them with our training
to provide the kind in their skilled area in a way that will make it economically
viable so it can generate income for them.”
Roger Bradley, Social Investment Fund
“The amount of the grant is 300,000 euros which works out to nearly,
with the rate of European currency, is about $900,000 Belize.
The implementation of a water system for Crooked Tree Village which is
one of the oldest villages in the country but it is very enterprising. It is
the home of the cashew fest, it is the home of the tilapia fest, and it is amazing
how these people are actually working without having potable water. Most people
have their own hand dug well, about 50% who can afford it use electric pumps
but that everybody can afford it. And even the Ministry of Health has condemned
some of the hand dug wells so it is really necessary for this community to get
a water system.”
Work on the Crooked Tree water system should commence within three
months. The University of Belize meanwhile is now accepting applications from
community groups – including village councils and parent teacher’s
associations which are interested in an internet café in their village.
Applications can be submitted to the project manager Sheryl Tzul at the University
of Belize in Belmopan.