VOLUME 3 • NOVEMBER 2020
THE ISSUE The Official Newsletter of The National Student's Union of Belize
What's In This
Newsletter:
NOVEMBER 2020
Youth Voice Matters
Page 2
Discussion with UB
Page 3
Mental & Physical Health
Page 4
Study Tips
Page 6
Achievement of NSUB
Page 11
Benefits of Joining NSUB
Page 11
Humor Corner
Page 13
Never too Late! Adult Continuing Education
Page 14
Scholarship Opportunities
Page 15
Educational Opportunities
Page 16
Union Updates
Page 18
Acknowledgements
Page 19
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NSUB Newsletter
Youth Voice Matter Youth Votes Matter Belize In October 2020, the National Student Union of Belize became an official collaborator with the Youth Votes Matter Campaign. The main focus was to curb the societal issue of youths straying away from politics by engaging them in meaningful conversations in hopes to illustrate the importance of their voices and votes in a democratic country.
While Allan might have fell short in the ballot box, his victory comes from the unforgettable impact he has left on a political system that is not very accepting to youth participation.
In this sense, Pollard is the real winner here by simply taking on one of the most difficult constituencies in Belize and shattering its brick walls that many seasoned politicians could not do. What we can take from this is the fact that when young people have a platform to be part of the matters that Hence, on October 5th 2020, the Youth Votes Matter Campaign affect their lives and are supported by their communities, we was Launched by Ms. Dominique Noralez,Mr. Bryton Codd and Ms. empower young people to believe that they can improve and Renata Samuels. Thereafter, a series of events followed: contribute to building an inclusive and sustainable future for Belize! October 8th - Youth in Politics October 15th - Sustainable Development: Balancing Environmental With this in mind, it is quite astounding and impressive to with Economic Gain reflect on Pollard’s political career thus far. As a youth in October 20th - Developing Sports an Art: Belizean ID politics in Belize, Pollard has made a household name for October 27th - Social Violence: A Look at Crime, Violence and himself, as he keeps on breaking the barriers of a Social Well-being constrained political system. November 3rd - Evolution of Education November 5th - State of the Economy November 10th - Wrapping up of Sessions with Moderators November 11th - Post Elections Day Review. Moreover, as a Youth Led and Youth Driven campaign, the events revolved around youth participation. Therefore, their voices and opinions were brought forth in open discussions while the dynamics of each topic were expressed.
Youth in Politics As results poured in for Belize’s recent General Elections, shock waves had been sent through the homes of many individuals. Most shockingly, was young Allan Pollard’s dismantling of cemented margins in the Queen’s Square Constituency. Although Allan’s presence was relatively short - about 4 to 5 months - it was undeniably the most remarkable showing in Belizean politics. Allan Pollard made his mark in Queen’s Square, and he certainly had his opponents on their toes. For the past 30+ years the Queen Square division had been a UDP stronghold, and each UDP candidate placed had strongly defeated their opponents by very large margins. This was true up until Denise “Sista B” Barrow, of the UDP and along with Pollard, were the heavy contenders vying for the post of Area Representative for the constituency aforementioned. Sista B was left on the edge of her seat as Pollard, the underdog and “baby” of the bunch, came significantly close to swiping a victory in Queen’s Square. Pollard accumulated 1020 votes, while Sista B received 1351.
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Discussion with UB The National Student Union of Belize University of Belize Unprepared for Online Classes The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, brought to light the weak points in our economy and our education system. Hence, the University of Belize, the primary tertiary educational institution within the country, was the most unprepared for this sudden change; keeping in mind their online learning platform Moodle was already in existence. So, what led to the outburst of dilemmas the University faced? Well, the NSUB produced a press release with the following: Issues between the UB Administration and the UB Faculty and Staff Union persisted without a finite resolution, while the school calendar had already begun Lecturers were unprepared for online classes as the University failed to send them their courses in a timely manner, which prevented the transition of some courses to a completely online modality to occur before the new calendar year. Students expressed displeasure with the Moodle platform as it’s unreliable due it sporadic crashing during high traffic periods. Students are still being charged fees that have become obsolete due to COVID-19 and the restrictions it brought forth by the Government of Belize.
The National Student Union of Belize University of Belize Graduation Ceremony The NSUB and UBFSU expressed displeasure with UB administration over a costly graduation, amidst the economic crisis brought-forth by COVID-19 , yet the graduating class of 20202 was greeted by a mediocre ceremony. .
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The Executive Council PRESIDENT Kevin John Chen +501 628-0461 president.nsub@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT Nathan Lisbey vicepresident.nsub@gmail.com
STUDENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR Dominique Noralez studentaffairs.nsub@gmail.com
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Ashley Longford pmru.nsub@gmail.com
FINANCIAL OFFICER Oliver Torres financialofficer.nsub@gmail.com
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“AS AN ENERGY-CONSUMER, THE BRAIN IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE ORGAN WE CARRY AROUND WITH US"
Glucose is virtually the sole fuel for the human brain, except during prolonged starvation. Hence it consumes about 120g daily. Hence 60% is used during the whole body´s resting stage.
Which means? During a typical day, we use about 320 calories just to think! Different complex mental state for example studying can bring it up to 5% (100 cal.) more.
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So what should we do to better of our glucuse intake especially when studying?
Eat more fruits!
Fruits is one of our simple carbohydrates that produces glucose faster in our body.
Hence it is reccomeded; so we can have HIGHER CONCETRATION LEVELS and focus more during our study period. Meanwhile heavy carbs will make your body focus more on digestion and breakdown of fatty acids.
So next time choose wisely and eat healthy ! NOVEMBER 2020
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HAPPY Day
s ' n e r d l i Ch
20th November, 2020
To all the children of Belize and the future of our country!
“Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential.” – John Maxwell
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NSUB Newsletter The National Students’ Union of Belize (NSUB) was formed in February of 2018 by Guіllеrmо Веrgаnzа (founder), whо wаѕ іnѕріrеd bу the role of unionism іn ѕосіаl trаnѕfоrmаtіоn in Latin American and Caribbean countries and by Seidy Gomez (co-founder) who saw the need for students to become empowered and socially active to influence change in the education system of Belize. Our mission is to represent, support and empower tertiary level students to engage in the continuous improvement in the quality of tertiary level education and to contribute to a more just society by organizing in a formal channel to voice their views on all matters affecting the quality of life in Belize. In line with this, we are an avid supporter and defender of social justice, human rights and national development in Belize. We are an Honorary Member of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) as provided under article 15 of the NTUCB’s constitution. The NSUB is the first student organization of its type in Belize, and the first to be registered under the NTUCB as the 12th union representing tertiary level students. We are also a member of the Caribbean Students Union based in Kingston, Jamaica, and the Commonwealth Student’s Association. NOVEMBER 2020
Guillermo, Seidy and Nathan at the "Bruk it Down" Morning Show. From L to R: Dr. Angel Cal, Nathan Lisbey, Seidy Gomez, Guillermo Berganza, Mr. Hipolito Bautista and Geovanni Brackett
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- Bесоmіng а раrt оf thе NТUСВ wіll аdvаnсе thе NЅUВ’ѕ gоаlѕ оf mаkіng Веlіzе а bеttеr рlасе fоr ѕtudеntѕ аnd аll Веlіzеаnѕ as the NTUCB is represented in the Senate of Belize. - Wе hаvе аllоwеd ѕtudеntѕ tо bесоmе а раrt оf thе dесіѕіоn mаkіng рrосеѕѕ оf thе NТUСВ аnd аmоngѕt thе ѕtrоngеѕt unіоnѕ оf thіѕ соuntrу.
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The NSUB organized an ICJ forum entitled “Divergent Discussions on the ICJ” in 2019 at the University of Belize
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NSUB Newsletter
The NSUB along with the ISCR (NICH) sponsored a mural painted by Everett Reynolds on the walls of the RLC building at the University of Belize's Belmopan Campus
Recruitment at Galen University
NOVEMBER 2020
Officially established relations with the SG of Sacred Heart Jr. College
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- Students can engage in debates, lectures, discussions, study groups, research, essay competitions etc.
Canoeing down the Macal River to find out the reasons for growth of algae in river
- To advocate for a credit transfer system between tertiary level institutions. - Cultural and educational seminars. - Sporting activities, art performances and displays and concerts. - Publication of brochures, research papers, essays, journals, newspapers articles, short stories, poems etc. - Trips and tours to historical and educational places both national and international.
Back to school drive at the San Ignacio Welcome Center
- Charity fundraising, social service and social relief activities. - Organizing clubs that will stimulate student’s critical thinking, leadership skills, creativity etc. - Organize a fund club to help needy students with tuition and fees.
Joined the peace walk and vigil held by the San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town Council
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Humor Corner A teacher asked her students to use the word "beans" in a sentence. "My father grows beans," said one girl. "My mother cooks beans," said a boy. A third student spoke up, "We are all human beans."
A boy asks his father, "Dad, are bugs good to eat?" "That's disgusting. Don't talk about things like that over dinner," the dad replies. After dinner the father asks, "Now, son, what did you want to ask me?" "Oh, nothing," the boy says. "There was a bug in your soup, but now it’s gone."
Mr. and Mrs. Brown had two sons. One was named Mind Your Own Business & the other was named Trouble. One day the two boys decided to play hide and seek. Trouble hid while Mind Your Own Business counted to one hundred. Mind Your Own Business began looking for his brother behind garbage cans and bushes. Then he started looking in and under cars until a police man approached him and asked, "What are you doing?" "Playing a game," the boy replied. "What is your name?" the officer questioned. "Mind Your Own Business." Furious the policeman inquired, "Are you looking for trouble?!" The boy replied, "Why, yes."
Late one night a burglar broke into a house and while he was sneaking around he heard a voice say, "Jesús is watching you." He looked around and saw nothing. He kept on creeping and again heard, "Jesús is watching you." In a dark corner, he saw a cage with a parrot inside. The burglar asked the parrot, "Was it you who said Jesús is watching me" The parrot replied, "Yes." Relieved, the burglar asked, "What is your name?" The parrot said, "Clarence." The burglar said, "That's a stupid name for a parrot. What idiot named you Clarence?" The parrot answered, "The same idiot that named the rottweiler Jesús."
A mom texts, "Hi! Son, what does IDK, LY, & TTYL mean?" He texts back, "I Don't Know, Love You, & Talk To You Later." The mom texts him, "It's ok, don't worry about it. I'll ask your sister, love you too."
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Never too Late! Adult Continuing Education Adult Continuing Education (ACE) can basically be defined as “an intentional, systematic process of teaching and learning by which persons who occupy adult roles acquire new values, attitudes, knowledge, skills, and disciplines”. According to Belize’s Ministry of Education's latest Abstract of Education Statistics for 2018 - 2019, the country of Belize currently has a total of eleven ACE programs (3 in the Belize district, 2 in the Corozal, Cayo, and Stann Creek districts, and 1 in the Orange Walk and Toledo districts). This abstract also states that up to the 2018-2019 school year, a total of 1,217 individuals have enrolled in ACE programs in the entire country, which is the highest amount enrolled in the last 10 years. What benefits could this possibly bring? Having an ACE program available in your area opens the door for opportunities. It gives a second chance to those who did not finish or continue to pursue their education at one point in their life due to reasons that may have been beyond their control. Today, most ACE programs tend to be flexible with their learning schedules, therefore allowing many of those who work and/or have families to take care of to have the opportunity to continue their education at a time that is more convenient to them. The term “college student” typically portrays an image of an 18-year-old. Regardless of the facts, however, that traditional, younger image still persists, making the idea of an adult returning to school intimidating. For many older adults seeking to switch careers or enhance their skill sets by enrolling in college. Not only might they feel out of step with their younger peers, but they face the additional challenges balancing work and family time along with their studies. For many people, finishing that degree simply wasn’t possible when they were younger. Perhaps they couldn’t afford it and needed to go to work instead. Maybe they got married or had kids and found that they had to leave school to raise their families. Or maybe they simply weren’t mentally ready the first time around. Many older adults realize the value of finishing what they started, or they want to be examples for their own kids. A lot of people are nervous about it and are envisioning being the oldest person in the class. This is a totally normal thing to be feeling, but it's okay, you're gonna be fine, and there are colleges that will help you succeed.
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It may seem intimidating and daunting to re-enroll in college, but this should not be a reason for missing out on the benefits of acquiring more education. Adults or working professionals who simply put together a good, workable plan can smoothly make the transition back to school and make the experience a great success. ACE programs also present the opportunity to improve the labour force of Belize. The latest Labour Force Survey published by the Statistical Institute of Belize on 27th November, 2019 stated that 44 percent (83,900 individuals) of the labour force of Belize had completed no more than a primary level education. Enrolling in an ACE program allows you to increase your level of education which will not only improve your resume and open more doors for better employment, but it will also improve labour in Belize on a whole. There are many times when organizations or businesses offer scholarships for various levels of education. However, it is very rare to find scholarship opportunities for ACE programs that would aim to those who would like to pick up where they left off at one point and further or complete their education. At times, there would be businesses that would finance their employees' education in an ACE program so that that employee can meet the educational requirements for another position in their business, but is still working. By creating more awareness of the importance of ACE programs and how it can not just help Belizeans, but the entire country as a whole, we can get these organizations to be more involved in supporting these programs. Thus, opening more doors of opportunities to Belizeans regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity or culture. Nelson Mandela once said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. Don’t be afraid to push forward, open your door, and change the world today!
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Scholarships Opportunities 2021 OAS-MIU Scholarship Opportunity Programs of Study Master of Science in International Business Administration Master of Science in Educational Leadership, Management and Emergent Technologies Master of Science in International Business Administration Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery C.E. Program Master of Science in International Business Administration Environmental Management C.E. Program Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Deadline: December 10th 2020 Click here for more information
Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarships Program This provides students from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with short-term post-secondary exchange opportunities at publicly funded Canadian colleges and institutes. The scholarships support to study in programs or disciplines related to the green economy, which include but are not limited to climate-smart agriculture, coastal and fisheries management, renewable energy, sustainable building techniques, and agro-forestry. The scholarship targets students at the certificate, diploma, and associate degree levels in Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Further information can be obtained here.
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Educational Opportunities
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NSUB Newsletter Galen University is now offering a Certificate in Accounting program! This program is customized for working adults who seek additional technical accounting skills or continuous professional development. It is also suitable for students who hold a Bachelor's Degree in other business fields and seek to be trained in the accounting profession. For more information on how to apply, please click here.
UNIVERSIDAD INTERAMERICANA PARA EL DESARROLLO ONLINE CAMPUS This online educational model gives you the possibility to manage and organize your time effectively according to your pace of life and learning. For this reason, we have flexible study schedules and programs so that you can study whenever and wherever you want. For more information on how to apply, please click here.
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UNION UPDATES • Commonwealths Student Association has invited the union to be a part of the Caribbean and Americas Student Governance and Networking Forum. • Our Union is working with UBFSU and UBSG to discuss and implanting strategies to fix the punishing workload lectures are currently enduring. • Our Union is still looking for persons who like to volunteer to design an official Union flag and t-shirt that would be used whenever the Union partakes in activities like demonstrations. Interesting persons can contact the President and Communication Director.
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Shanidy Torres Student of Universidad Modelo, Chetumal Mexico Resides in Orange Walk
QUOTE;
"If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can't hear them anymore" -Michele Ruiz
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The National Student Union of Belize's 'The Issue' Newsletter. Volume 3. November 2020. Created by NSUB Newsletter Committee | Reviewed by the Executive Council. Copyright 2020. The National Students Union of Belize. All rights reserved. If you would like to improve this newsletter or have an article featured, send recommendations to the President using his contact info on page 3.
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