CDB, Belize government advance education projects in Orange Walk District

Students in Belize’s Orange Walk District are set to benefit from improved learning facilities following the start of construction on two new schools and the completion of upgrades at another, under the Belize Education Sector Reform Programme II (BESRP II).

According to a Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) press release, the latest projects were marked with groundbreaking ceremonies for the Indian Church Primary School and new pre-primary and primary school facilities in the Blackwater area of Trial Farm Village, along with the official handover of a rehabilitated classroom block at Trial Farm Government School.

The projects form part of the CDB-supported BESRP II programme, which includes the construction and outfitting of 35 school building projects across Belize.

The new Indian Church Primary School will accommodate approximately 96 students in four classrooms and will include administrative offices, staff facilities, sanitation amenities and supporting infrastructure. The school is being built to modern standards with hurricane-resistant features, water storage and drainage systems, and fire safety measures. The project represents an investment of about US$1.3 million (BZ$2.31 million).

Meanwhile, the upgraded classroom block at Trial Farm Government School was completed at a cost of approximately US$120,000 (BZ$0.24 million). Construction has also begun on the new Blackwater pre-primary and primary school facilities, a project valued at US$1.51 million (BZ$3.02 million). Together, the three projects are expected to improve learning conditions for hundreds of students while expanding access to education in the district.

Highlighting the importance of the investment, Dr. Isaac Solomon, CDB’s Vice-President (Operations), said the initiative is about much more than constructing new buildings.

“Our commitment goes beyond building infrastructure—we are supporting a stronger and more resilient education system that equips students with the knowledge and skills they need for the future, while contributing to broader social and economic development. Indian Church Primary and the Belize Education Sector Programme as a whole, is pivotal in advancing educational excellence—an ambition that resonates deeply with my Bank’s refocused vision, anchored in the pillars of Innovate, Transform, and Thrive.”

According to the CDB, the projects reflect a shared commitment between the Bank and the Government of Belize to provide modern, resilient and inclusive educational facilities that meet community needs while strengthening the country’s human capital.

The Bank said the investments also support its Strategic Plan 2026-2035, particularly its goals of strengthening social resilience and expanding opportunities for young people through greater access to quality education. The projects also align with CDB’s Rebirth Vision—Innovate, Transform and Thrive, which focuses on increasing investment in resilient infrastructure across the Caribbean.