1. INTRODUCTION
Table 1: Belize MDG Scorecard 20106
Belize is a very diverse country comprised of people who represent various ethnicities. Guaranteeing the right to a quality education for children of different languages poses a challenge because of the need to build varied educational curricula, offer culturally appropriate content, and promote unity in diversity. In this context, intercultural bilingual education (IBE) is a mechanism that ensures a relevant and quality education to all children of Belize; it becomes a powerful tool to help improve the quality of life of indigenous children, allowing them equal opportunity with the rest of the population. For this reason, IBE is gaining popularity and acceptance in the education sector. A recent UNICEF Belize review of three IBE pilot programmes in October 2009 indicated that IBE increased students’ motivation, pride in language and identity, and better understanding of school concepts, by, (i) investing in teachers, (ii) developing a common school culture, and (iii) incorporating parents and communities.7 Strengthening IBE contributes to achieving the MDGs by improving the quality of education at the elementary level, promoting relevant and adequate teaching in the mother tongue in excluded communities, thereby facilitating student learning. It also aims to strengthen teacher training and develop effective and culturally appropriate teaching methodologies, curriculum and materials.
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6 Belize Scorecard and Outlook Report 2010. Millennium Development Goals. UNDP Belize. 7 Penados, F. 2009. UNICEF Report “ Safeguarding the Rights of Indigenous Children in the Process of Development: Intercultural Bilingual Education Component: Project Review.”