Introduction to Belize

How do you write about a country you haven't yet seen?

We've tried to do our research, but any real response to Belize will have to wait until we get there. Meanwhile, this is what the guidebooks have to say ...

Belize is about the same size as Wales, but its population is smaller than Cardiff’s, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Formerly known as British Honduras, it became an independent nation in 1981. It’s one of the most diverse nations of the Caribbean. English is its official language, but Creole, Spanish and Garifuna are just some of the other languages we’ll hear there. It’s committed to working and sharing cross-culturally, and has built up its own united national identity since 1981.

A third of Belize’s people are classified as poor, while one in ten have difficulty in getting enough food to eat. There are many single mothers, and drugs – with associated violence – are also a problem in some city areas.

We’ll be based in Belmopan, in the centre of the country, the new capital that was built after Belize City was damaged by a hurricane in 1961. It’s home to the country’s university and government institutions, and though tiny – 12,000 people – by world city standards, it’s the fastest growing city in Belize.

The Anglican Church in Belize

There are thirty one Anglican churches throughout the country, but only 15 ordained clergy, which is why the development of new leaders is so important. The church is its committed to working with the poorest in Belizean society. With funding from USPG, they have set up a group for unmarried mothers, and supported income generation projects for indigenous Maya communities.

The next six months

Although we’re excited about this new venture, there’s a lot of work that still needs to be completed. Our first challenge is to raise the £25,000 per year that needs to be pledged towards our living costs. We've made a good start, but we've still got some way to go. At the end of the year, we hope to move to the Selly Oak Centre for Mission Studies, before leaving for Belize in March or April. Please remember us in your prayers.