JICA Belize

30/04/2026

※English follows Japanese
☆【新隊員到着しました！】☆
4月22日、新たに3名の隊員がベリーズに到着しました。到着後の約1ヵ月間、JICAでオリエンテーションを受講したり、現地語学訓練を受けたりしながら任地への赴任準備を進めていきます。環境教育（Orange Walk）、PCインストラクター(San Ignacio)、農産物加工(San Ignacio)の職種で本格的に活動を開始します。今後の活躍をご期待ください！
【 Arrival of new Volunteers!】
On April 22, three new volunteers arrived in Belize. For about one month after their arrival, they will attend orientation sessions and undergo local language training while preparing to be assigned to their host agencies. They will officially begin their activities in the following fields: Environmental Education (Orange Walk), PC Instructor (San Ignacio), and Agricultural Products Processing (San Ignacio). Please look forward to their future activities!!

24/04/2026

Mr. Jossele Solis, an instructor at the Orange Walk ITVET (Institute for Technical & Vocational Education and Training), delivered his Action Plan presentation, following his participation in the Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) Training Course. The training was held in Japan under the theme “Development of Human Resources Adaptable to Industry Needs in Electrical & Electronic Engineering.” The objective of the program was to eliminate technological gaps between educational institutions and industry practices in the electrical and electronic fields. The course also aimed to strengthen the capacity of participating organizations by promoting improvements in educational approaches, enhancing practical training in electrical and electronic technologies, and developing human resources equipped with flexible skills that meet the evolving needs of industry. We congratulate Mr. Solis on the successful presentation and wish him every success in applying the knowledge and skills gained through this program.

24/04/2026

JICA Belize congratulates Ms. Kamilah Cardona, Project Engineer, Project Ex*****on Unit -MIDH who has successfully completed the Bridge Asset Management (BAM) training program in Japan. She has developed an action plan whose objective is to strengthen Belize’s bridge asset management framework through the introduction of a risk-informed systems, technical standards, and analytical tools that improve infrastructure resilience, lifecycle efficiency and decision reliability. This medium-scale action plan outlines the process for the development of a practical and
sustainable Bridge Management System that enables regular inspections, centralized data storage, condition assessment and prioritization of maintenance interventions for bridges
across Belize. She was interviewed by one of the local radio stations as part of the highlights of her training in Japan.
https://www.youtube.com/live/ne2k23cqeX4

5 likes. "2026.03.18 ラジオぶっちゃけ！-「帰る前に日本刀が欲しい！」カリブ海からのJICA九州・研修員と侍トーク-"

24/04/2026

A joint event with Belize and Guatemala participants was held in San Ignacio as part of the JICA Project for Strengthening of a Model for integral Conservation of the Ecosystems in the SICA Region. The event was a success as the main objective was achieved. Residents and stakeholders from San Antonio in the Cayo District in Belize and stakeholders from Dolores and La Pasadita, Guatemala came together to strengthen a mutual understanding and explore future collaborations within the Great Selva Maya Region. The event focused on environmental themes including environmental
conservation, forest fire prevention, water resource management, environmental education, sustainable livelihoods such as organic farming and beekeeping. Through group work participants shared practices, experiences and challenges they are having at a community level. Communities play a vital role in conservation efforts across the Selva Maya. JICA has been prominent in supporting community initiatives in both Belize and Guatemala. (Photos have been used with permission of Mr. Abdon Tzib).

10/04/2026

Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) - Action Plan Presentation

On March 4, 2026, Mr. Barrington Metzken, a Leading Firefighter at the Belize National Fire Service, visited the JICA Belize Office to deliver his Action Plan presentation following his participation in the Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) Training Course, held in Japan under the theme “Fire Management and Disaster Risk Reduction.” The objective of the course was to equip participants with advanced firefighting techniques and practical know-how in fire and disaster prevention, particularly in response to the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and population growth, which have contributed to an increase in fire incidents. During the Action Plan Presentation, Mr. Metzken shared key challenges currently faced by the Belize National Fire Service. He also highlighted progress made in implementing his action plan, including the need for access to modern firefighting equipment, enhanced expertise and training for high-rise and vehicle fire scenarios, and increased public awareness of earthquake and tsunami preparedness. We congratulate Mr. Metzken on the successful ex*****on of his action plan and commend his strong motivation to enhance the capacity of his department. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and working closely in the future.

02/04/2026

Two SPED Officers and 1 teacher recently delivered an informative presentation following their participation in the "Strengthening Inclusive Education System for Children with Disabilities" training held in Yokohama, Japan. During their presentation they shared key insights, strategies, and best practices gained, highlighting approaches to creating more inclusive and supportive learning environments for children with disabilities in Belize. The team emphasized practical applications tailored to local needs and demonstrated their commitment to improving educational outcomes for all learners. Additionally, it was noted that JICA will continue to foster and support initiatives for persons with disabilities in Belize and during this new fiscal year strengthen our focus on expanding into other priority areas as identified.

24/03/2026

※English follows Japanese
【🐧🐥～任期満了～帰国編～🐥🐧】
3月18日、2名の隊員が無事に任期を満了し、帰国の途につきました。

髙田亜也加隊員（職種：障害児・者支援）は、オレンジウォークにある小学校（Louisiana Government School）において、障害児が在籍するクラスで学級担任の支援を行いました。リソースルームを活用し、1対1での支援が必要な児童に対して個別計画を作成しながら、特別支援を実施しました。

椎葉一勲隊員（職種：野球）は、ベリーズシティにあるベリーズ野球ソフトボール連盟（Belize Baseball Softball Federation）に所属し、同市における野球の普及と青少年育成を目的として、平日夕方および週末を中心に練習会を実施し、選手の育成に努めました。その成果として、投手1名が日本の独立リーグ（北海道旭川ビースターズ）と契約し、2026年5月より日本でプレーすることになっています。

日本とは異なり限られたリソースの環境下でも、粘り強く前向きに活動へ取り組むお二人の姿勢がとても印象的でした。両名ともに現職教員であることから、ベリーズでの経験を日本の教育現場や地域活動に生かし、国際理解の促進につなげていただければ嬉しく思います。活動お疲れさまでした！！！

On March 18, two of our volunteers successfully completed their assignments and back to Japan.
Ms. Ayaka Takada (Welfare for Persons with Disabilities) worked at Louisiana Government School in Orange Walk, supporting a classroom that included students with disabilities.
She made use of the resource room, creating individualized plans and providing one on one support for children who needed special assistance.

Mr. Kazuhiro Shiiba (Baseball) was assigned to the Belize Baseball Softball Federation in Belize City.
He organized regular practice sessions—mainly on weekday evenings and weekends—to promote baseball in the city and support youth development. Thanks to these efforts, one of the pitchers earned a contract with the Hokkaido Asahikawa Be:Stars, an independent league team in Japan, and will start playing there in May 2026.

Despite working in an environment with limited resources, both volunteers consistently showed remarkable perseverance and positivity. As they are both active schoolteachers in Japan, I hope their experiences in Belize will enrich their future classrooms and community activities and help foster greater international understanding. Thank you both for your incredible work!!

02/03/2026

On February 27th, 2026 the JICA Alumni Association of Belize (JAAB) held its first Recruitment membership drive at Belize Institute of Management. The drive was successful recruiting 25 new members that evening and also by members explaining the work that JAAB has been doing for the past 5 years. Dr, Manuel Estrada (Vice-President) and Ms. Myra Arzu (Advisor) recently returned from a regional seminar in Guatemala and shared with us their learnings from other groups as they continue promoting the work and projects JAAB has been doing. JAAB has been working arduously in different communities, especially rural areas, conducting mobile clinics and recently bringing awareness and promoting Inclusive Education for persons with disabilities. We are thankful for the great work the team is doing under the leadership of its President Mr. Armando Aban and his team which includes medical practitioners, and other professionals that volunteer their time and expertise as we continue working together in support of our Belizean people. If you are interested to become a member of JAAB please feel free to contact us by calling 223-4404. All are welcome as together we unite to make a difference in Belize.

17/02/2026

【 任期満了～帰国編～ 】
1月29日、2名の隊員が無事に任期を満了し、帰国の途につきました。
桜井隊員（職種：PCインストラクター）はオレンジウォークにある小学校（Compassion School）で、Microsoft Office、コーディング、情報セキュリティに関する授業を行いました。さらに、学校内の機器メンテナンスやデジタル化の促進にも積極的に取り組み、地域住民を対象としたワークショップも開催しました。
蛭間隊員（職種：環境教育）はベルモパン市役所（Belmopan City Council）で、YouTubeを活用した環境啓発動画の制作、環境イベントへの参加、市民向けの啓発活動など、多岐にわたる取り組みを展開しました。
この2年間で育まれた配属先の人々との信頼関係は非常に厚く、最終報告会では活動への感謝の言葉と別れを惜しむ気持ちが入り混じった温かい雰囲気に包まれました。両名の活動が地域にもたらした影響は大きく、彼らの努力と情熱は今後も現地で受け継がれていくことでしょう。2年間の活動おつかれさまでした！！

Mr. Sakurai (PC Instructor) conducted classes on Microsoft Office, coding, and information security at Compassion School in Orange Walk. He proactively engaged in maintaining school equipment, promoting digitalization, and organizing workshops for local community members.
Mr. Hiruma (Environmental Education) worked at the Belmopan City Council, where he carried out a wide range of activities, including producing environmental awareness videos using YouTube, participating in environmental events, and conducting public outreach on environmental issues.

Over the past two years, the trust they built with the people at their respective assignments has grown remarkably strong. At their final presentation, the venue was filled with warm expressions of gratitude for their contributions as well as heartfelt sadness at their departure. The impact of their activities on the community has been significant, and their dedication and passion will surely continue to influence the local people in the years to come.
Thank you both for your hard work over the past two years!!

13/02/2026

JICA Volunteer has started his activities in Punta Gorda supporting Mr. Federico Cal at TIDE Belize. Thanks to Punta Gorda Residents as you welcome our Volunteer in your community.

12/01/2026

※English follows Japanese
☆【新隊員到着しました！】☆
1月7日、新たに5名の隊員がベリーズに到着しました。到着後の約1ヵ月間、JICAでオリエンテーションを受講したり、現地語学訓練を受けたりしながら任地への赴任準備を進めていきます。環境教育（Corozal, Punta Gorda）、統計(Belize city)、障害児・者支援(Dangriga)、小学校教育(Punta Gorda)の職種で本格的に活動を開始します。今後の活躍をご期待ください！

【 Arrival of new Volunteers!】
On January 7, five new volunteers arrived in Belize. For about one month after their arrival, they will attend orientation sessions and undergo local language training while preparing to be assigned to their host agencies. They will officially begin their activities in the following fields: Environmental Education (Corozal, Punta Gorda), Statistics (Belize City), Welfare and Education for Persons with Disabilities (Dangriga), and Primary Education (Punta Gorda). Please look forward to their future activities!