Safe, Inclusive, and Ready
Upgraded WASH facilities bring safer learning environments to Belizean schools
In the heart of Belize, two primary schools, Kuxlin Ha and Buena Vista Government Schools, are now better equipped to protect children and families during emergencies, thanks to upgraded Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and UNICEF.
Located in the migrant settlements and host communities of Maya Mopan and Buena Vista, these schools serve children aged 5 to 12. The recent WASH interventions are part of a broader effort to ensure that schools provide access to WASH facilities essential for children’s health, dignity and ability to learn. When schools provide clean water and proper toilets, children, especially girls, can attend regularly and focus on their education without fear or discomfort. This also ensures that when the school is used as a shelter during hurricanes or other natural hazards, the space remains safe and inclusive for everyone.
Belize is highly vulnerable to natural hazards such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. This exposure places children at significant risk, impacting their health, education, and overall well-being. For this reason, UNICEF continues to strengthen its partnership with the Government of Belize to advance a child-centered, shock-responsive systems approach to enhancing essential services for children.
By upgrading WASH infrastructure in schools designated as emergency shelters, UNICEF is helping communities prepare for and respond to disasters more effectively. Clean water, safe sanitation, and hygiene facilities are critical to protecting children's health and dignity, particularly in times of crisis.
These improvements were made possible through the generous support of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (BPRM) and the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). Their contributions are helping to build a more resilient Belize, where every child can learn and thrive in a safe and healthy environment.
Thanks to these recent improvements, the school has become a safer and more welcoming place for students and the entire community. Principal Wiltshire shared how much these changes mean for everyone:
The recent inclusive upgrades to our WASH facilities at Kuxlin Ha Government School have made a remarkable difference - every division and child now has access to hygienic, safe, and child-friendly sanitation. These improvements have not only enhanced the physical environment but have also contributed to improvements in student well-being and a greater sense of dignity among our students.
UNICEF Belize is committed to supporting these interventions and acknowledged the vital role of our donors in transforming lives through sustainable development and emergency preparedness.
