In Belize, the Church of the Nazarene manages two high schools, seven primary schools, and two preschools with the help of government salary subsidies. With this opportunity, the nearest church to the school acts as the local manager, and the district appoints the general manager.
Each school operates with assistance from school fees and missionaries, who contribute their support in many ways. The local churches engage with the school through feeding programs, where possible, with most of the children or their families unable to provide a proper meal during the school day.
In the chapel time, children receive the Word of God, and they are encouraged to attend Sunday school and children’s services with their teachers.
Not all the teachers are Nazarenes, and the government must approve all teachers and provide a curriculum. There are many government schools, but they allow others to offer spiritual guidance in their schools through Christian education. Missionaries, both Nazarenes and others, help with the upkeep of the buildings, teacher training, supporting the children with fees and school supplies, and modeling the life of Christ.
The great desire of our Nazarene schools is that as they continue to shine the light of Christ, the hearts of students and families will be softened to receive Christ personally.
One example of this partnership is in the village of Sarteneja. At the primary school, the principal is a member of the Church of the Nazarene. Each week, he has an entire day at the church for the children. There is a children's music group and a dance group. It is encouraging that some of the former students who have come through Nazarene schools have become teachers in the same school they once attended. A Related Vignette from Belize When the focus is given to education and nurturing a spirit of missions in every local church, positive intergenerational "consequences" occur. Recently, in one Belizean church, the pastor shared a message on the life of Lois and Eunice and their influence on Timothy, Paul’s young colleague in ministry. Two families in that church had multiple generations present and active (five in one family and four in another).
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