The Cayo district has long been vulnerable to extreme flooding, but one particular flood changed my life entirely.
My mother and I were alone when heavy rainfall overwhelmed my neighborhood drainage system, causing water to rise rapidly into our home. With my siblings away and my father working abroad, we faced the full impact of the disaster alone. Our neighbors were also affected, their homes submerged in the same rising waters, forcing them to salvage what they could. The financial burden that followed was immense. The cost of repairs and recovery highlighted the reality that many families in Belize endure. Floods are no longer isolated events; they are a growing crisis that affects livelihoods, security, and stability.
This experience led me to be a climate and environment advocate. As NEMO’s Youth Ambassador and through my work with UNICEF, I strive to raise awareness and drive action toward disaster preparedness, climate resilience and environmental health. I have organized youth forums, led disaster risk reduction initiatives, child environmental health, climate change and participated in regional discussions to amplify the voices of those most affected. I believe education is a powerful tool, and I have worked to ensure that young people understand their role in climate action and child environment health.
Now, with the platform I have, I want to do even more.
As a twenty-two year old, I want to make a difference. I aim to visit schools and engage students in interactive workshops on climate change, child environmental health, disaster preparedness, and environmental sustainability. Through educational outreach programs, I hope to create hands-on activities like climate simulations, emergency planning exercises, and tree-planting initiatives. I want to collaborate with local businesses and organizations to support eco-friendly community projects, such as sustainable urban gardens and waste management programs. By using storytelling and digital media, I plan to launch awareness campaigns that highlight real experiences and practical solutions, making climate action and environment more relatable and urgent for young people.
My commitment to this cause is deeply personal.
The rising waters that once filled my home now fuel my efforts to create meaningful change. If we do not act, these challenges will only intensify. However, through education, advocacy, and preparedness, we can build a more resilient future for all.
