Our Cathedral family has had an ongoing relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Belize, since our first mission trip in 2005 with the Cathedral Puppeteers. The Mission and Outreach Committee is now looking to gauge interest in potentially organizing another mission trip.

Listen to Brad McKnight from the Missions Committee speak to the Cathedral congregation on 16 February

God expects all Christians, and His church, to take the love of Christ into the world. One way in which we can do this is through mission. Part of this mission involves helping others, perhaps less fortunate than ourselves. From past experience we also know that both the preparation and the actual mission trip have a very positive effect on the spiritual growth and faith of individuals. For several it has been a life-changing and faith-growing experience.

Our most recent visit to Belize was in 2018, but we have kept an active relationship with St. Hilda's school and various scholarship students over the years. The school principal, Ms. Jane Martinez, has expressed a desire to have us return.

At this time, no dates have been determined, but if we were to consider a return in 2026, preparations will need to commence very soon. If there is enough interest, we will put together a steering committee and will organize sessions to share more information. Among other things, a team leader will be required and a commitment from others to participate on the home team as well.

For now, our ask is, for any of you who may be interested, to reach out to the Cathedral Office with your contact information.

Learn more about our support for St. Hilda's School, and our scholarship program for high school students in Belize.

Ms Jane Martinez is the Principal of St. Hilda's School in Belize, and also facilitates the Cathedral scholarship program for graduates of St. Hilda's elementary school. She recently sent an update about our scholarship students: Korey Kelly (grade 12), Caleb Martinez (grade 11), Sylvia Trapp (grade 10), and new scholarship recipient Amalio Revolorio (grade 9). Please keep the high school students, elementary school students, their families and teachers in your prayers.

You can donate to the Belize mission (scholarship program and yearly support for the elementary school) anytime by marking your offering envelope or donating online. This program makes a huge different in many lives, and your support is sincerely appreciated.

About the Cathedral's Belize High School Scholarship Program

In Belize, the average age at which a child leaves school is 13 years old, because of the prohibitive costs of tuition for high school. High school is not publicly funded in Belize, and many families do not have the financial ability to pay for their children to attend. Unemployment in the country is high, there are many large single-parent families, and almost half of Belizeans live below the poverty line.

Currently, the congregation of Christ Church Cathedral provides scholarships for four students who would not able to attend high school without support. Each scholarship is $1000 CAD per year, and we currently support one student in each of the four grades of high school. This additional education provides the teenagers with important skills and opportunities which can improve their lives.

The Cathedral has a special relationship with the staff and students of St. Hilda’s Anglican School, an elementary in the rural village of Georgeville. Over two hundred children attend the school, ranging between kindergarten and grade 8, in addition to a recently established preschool.

Cathedral teams have travelled to Belize five times: in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018. Over 60 Cathedral members ranging in age from 15 to 79 have participated in a mission trip to Belize, and hundreds of people in Fredericton have supported the work at St. Hilda's through organizational support, donations and prayers.

In 2010, Cathedral mission team members established a high school scholarship program which has allowed students from St. Hilda’s to apply for a scholarship to continue their education past grade 8. Some of the graduates supported by the Cathedral have continued on to post-secondary education, and all have gained knowledge and experience that will help them in their future.

We are grateful for all who have helped to provide scholarships for these teenagers, and support for programs at the elementary school. Learn more about our mission work in Belize.

You can contribute to the mission in Belize through offering envelopes or donate online.

If you are interested in participating in future endeavors benefiting the students in Belize, please contact the Cathedral Office to connect with members of the Belize mission committee.

As another year begins at St. Hilda's Anglican Elementary School, the Belize Mission committee acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the teachers. May they and the students have a positive start to this new school year. Please keep them in your prayers.

Please also remember in your prayers our Cathedral high school scholarship students, Korey Kelly (grade 12), Caleb Martinez (grade 11), Sylvia Trapp (grade 10), and new scholarship recipient, Amalio Revolorio, who is entering grade 9.

Are you familiar with the story of how the Cathedral congregation became involved in Belize, and why we offer a scholarship program for high school tuition? Read on!

About the Cathedral's Belize High School Scholarship Program

In Belize, the average age at which a child leaves school is 13 years old, because of the prohibitive costs of tuition for high school. High school is not publicly funded in Belize, and many families do not have the financial ability to pay for their children to attend. Unemployment in the country is high, there are many large single-parent families, and almost half of Belizeans live below the poverty line.

Currently, the congregation of Christ Church Cathedral provides scholarships for four students who would not able to attend high school without support. Each scholarship is $1000 CAD per year, and we currently support one student in each of the four grades of high school. This additional education provides the teenagers with important skills and opportunities which can improve their lives.

The Cathedral has a special relationship with the staff and students of St. Hilda’s Anglican School, an elementary in the rural village of Georgeville. Over two hundred children attend the school, ranging between kindergarten and grade 8, in addition to a recently established preschool.

Cathedral teams have travelled to Belize five times: in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018. Over 60 Cathedral members ranging in age from 15 to 79 have participated in a mission trip to Belize, and hundreds of people in Fredericton have supported the work at St. Hilda's through organizational support, donations and prayers.

In 2010, Cathedral mission team members established a high school scholarship program which has allowed students from St. Hilda’s to apply for a scholarship to continue their education past grade 8. Some of the graduates supported by the Cathedral have continued on to post-secondary education, and all have gained knowledge and experience that will help them in their future.

We are grateful for all who have helped to provide scholarships for these teenagers, and support for programs at the elementary school. Learn more about our mission work in Belize.

You can contribute to the mission in Belize through offering envelopes or donate online.

If you are interested in participating in future endeavors benefiting the students in Belize, please contact the Cathedral Office to connect with members of the Belize mission committee.

Here are some letters from the current recipients of Cathedral scholarships. Three students are currently receiving scholarships to attend high school in Belize. Their school year ended in June, and we received report cards and letters from each student. They are very thankful for the support of the congregation. Read their letters below, and scroll down to learn more about the scholarship program and how you can help.

Sylvia Trapp (recently completed Grade 9)

Dear Friends:

I am writing to thank you for your financial support. This year had many challenges, but I overcame them. I studied hard to achieve the top of my class and plan on working harder to achieve my educational goals. I also tried to be as friendly as possible to anyone I meet and I care deeply for my best friends that I met this year. I'm grateful for having friends who push me to go further. I also tried to participate as much as I can in school activities such as the Christmas event, harvest dance and the children's day activities. I am truly grateful for your support with my educational journey. I have been promoted to second form and I will try as hard as possible to come in first place again. I'm looking forward to you continuous support. Thank you.

Yours truly,

Silvia Trapp

Caleb Martinez (recently completed Grade 10)

Dear friends of St. Hilda's.

The school year has ended and all the grades are in, it has been a roller coaster journey at Belmopan Comprehensive High School.

In cycle #1 I struggled getting back familiar with waking up early and going to bed late. In the class, some of the new math concepts were more challenging than others so there was an up and down of my grade for math. Also with some new students in my class I was being distracted a lot because of the noise but I asked my homeroom teacher to move me so I can focus on my school work.

In cycle #2 I paid more attention in class and studied more and all-in-all just focusing on my work. And as I said in the previous letter, I said that I was going to join the school track and field team, at regionals I came in 4th in the 100 meter dash and 4th in the 200 meter dash and next year I plan to continue athletics.

As for the subject that I will be majoring in next year, I'll be taking arts because for my job career I plan to work in the TV industry.

Lastly, I can’t thank you enough for this scholarship as it has been the key to all my obstacles in my academic career.

May you have a wonderful day, friends of St. Hilda’s.

Caleb

Korey Kelly (recently completed Grade 11)

Greetings Friends,

I hope everyone is doing great and enjoying their year. I am entering a new year of school and I am continuously grateful for the help you have offeredme in acquiring my education.

I will be moving on to 4th form even though I had a bit of a rough last semester ending up having to take summer classes for English. During Summer Classes my grades in English have improved. I have to say I believe it is due to me paying more attention in class and listening to the teacher when she teaches. I think and hope that I will perform better in English class when I enter 4th form.

Again, I am very thankful for the scholarship that you gave to me which helped to lessen my mom’s burden.

Korey

About the Cathedral's Belize High School Scholarship Program

Currently, the congregation of Christ Church Cathedral provides scholarships for three students who would not able to attend high school without support, since high school is not publicly funded in Belize. This additional education provides them with important skills and opportunities. Each scholarship is $1000 CAD per year. We intend to provide a scholarship to a student entering high school in September, so we will again be supporting one student in each grade.

In Belize, the average age at which a child leaves school is 13 years old, because of the prohibitive costs of tuition for high school, which families must pay. Unemployment in the country is high, there are many large single-parent families, and almost half of Belizeans live below the poverty line.

The Cathedral has a special relationship with the staff and students of St. Hilda’s Anglican School, an elementary in the rural village of Georgeville. Over two hundred children attend the school, ranging between kindergarten and grade 8, in addition to a recently established preschool.

Cathedral teams have travelled to Belize five times: in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018. Over 60 Cathedral members ranging in age from 15 to 79 have participated in a mission trip to Belize, and hundreds of people in Fredericton have supported the work at St. Hilda's through organizational support, donations and prayers.

In 2010, Cathedral mission team members established a high school scholarship program which has allowed students from St. Hilda’s to apply for a scholarship to continue their education past grade 8. Some of the graduates supported by the Cathedral have gone on to post-secondary education, and all have gained knowledge and experience that will help them in their future.

We are grateful for all who have helped to provide scholarships for these teenagers, and support for programs at the elementary school. Learn more about our mission work in Belize.

You can contribute to the mission in Belize through offering envelopes or donate online.

If you are interested in participating in future endeavors benefiting the students in Belize, please contact the Cathedral Office to connect with members of the Belize mission committee.

Ms. Jane Martinez, Principal of St. Hilda's Anglican School in Belize, sent us this update. Please keep Ms. Martinez, her son, the high school scholarship students, and all of the elementary students and staff at St. Hilda's in your prayers.

Greetings Friends,

I pray that this email finds you well. Our school year started out well and so far we are managing by God's grace. There has been a lot of illness among both teachers and students. A terrible flu has been plaguing the schools so we are encouraging students to stay at home until it passes so that it doesn't spread.

I was supposed to share the reports with you since the first week of February but unfortunately, my son was in a motorcycle accident. I am so thankful that he is alive. His pelvic bone is open and both knees got injured. A ligament in his right knee burst as well so he is not allowed to walk for the next six weeks. We have four more weeks to go before his next evaluation. We are praying that both will heal on their own and he will not have to do surgery. It was a scary experience but God is in control. I am presently working from home because he needs someone close by to assist him.

I have attached the report of the three [scholarship] students. I have spoken to all students personally to encourage them to improve in areas where they fell short. Silvia [our new scholarship student] is doing very well in her class. She is a class leader and has received several certificates and awards. She participates in her school's praise dance team as well. They were encouraged to ask for assistance if needed because we are there to support them.

As soon as I am back at school I will give an update of activities that we are engaged in. We are about to start our "Child Stimulation Month" activities which starts March 1st. Our preschoolers will be involved in various activities throughout the month. We are excited to see what all will be accomplished. The theme for this year is "Magic Garden of Skills: Watch us Bloom".

I continue to say thank you so much for your invaluable support and partnership with St. Hilda's Anglican School. We will continue to pray for you as you pray for us as well. We love you all!

Best,
Jane

Here are some letters from the current recipients of Cathedral scholarships to attend high school in Belize.

Sylvia Trapp (Grade 9)

Dear Friends,

I am very thankful for the assistance that you have given me at the beginning of the school year. I have achieved a lot this semester. I got some good grades and won a presentation competition for harvest.

I am working harder to get better grades. My biggest challenge has been in Social Studies but I’m working on doing better. I received an excellence award which has motivated me to work harder. I have also met some new friends thanks to your help.

The Christmas event we had at school was so so amazing, I participated in a lot of praise dances for my class. I love dancing.

With that said, I want to wish you a wonderful Christmas and an amazing and blessed New Year.

Sincerely,

Silvia Trapp

Caleb Martinez (Grade 10)

Dear friends of St. Hilda's,

Merry Christmas friends of St. Hilda's. I hope you and your family are having a very Merry Christmas.

As my journey at Belmopan Comprehensive High School continues I've so far had only one issue when it comes to my math grade, on my report card it showed that my average had done to a 70 percent. But later on when I checked with my math teacher, I was passing all my assessments and tests, I was told it was a mechanical error and would have to be reprinted. This year the school introduced a new curriculum so we are getting less class work and more group projects. This has caused a big problem because almost every weekend I had to travel to complete the projects. But to save money I started just doing them by myself

With 2nd semester around the corner I plan to join my school's track and field team but to do so I have to keep all my grades high. We also received word that we will be taking exams this year, the exams will contain all we did from school started.

In 3rd form I'm still debating between business or Arts, I will be sure fill you in on my decision.

Merry Christmas friends of St. Hilda's and may God keep us safe for further days ahead, and I greatly thank you for this amazing opportunity.

Caleb

Korey Kelly (Grade 11)

Hello Friends,

I hope this finds you in good spirits.

I would just like to let you know that I really and truly appreciate the help you have given me in progressing through high school. The first semester of school has been going alright but I have had some ups and downs though I am doing well in most of my classes except for Economics and English. Those two are the only subjects that are really giving me some issues but I think I can improve in them. All I need to do is study and pay more attention in class to do better in them.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy your Christmas with your family and friends. Again, I would like to thank you for the support you have given me in progressing through school.

Sincerely,

Korey

About the Cathedral's Belize High School Scholarship Program

Currently, the congregation of Christ Church Cathedral provides scholarships for three students who would not able to attend high school without support, since high school is not publicly funded in Belize. This additional education provides them with important skills and opportunities. Each scholarship is $1000 CAD per year. We intend to provide a scholarship to a student entering high school next year, so we will again be supporting one student in each grade.

In Belize, the average age at which a child leaves school is 13 years old, because of the prohibitive costs of tuition for high school, which families must pay. Unemployment in the country is high, there are many large single-parent families, and almost half of Belizeans live below the poverty line.

The Cathedral has a special relationship with the staff and students of St. Hilda’s Anglican School, an elementary in the rural village of Georgeville. Over two hundred children attend the school, ranging between kindergarten and grade 8, in addition to a recently established preschool.

Cathedral teams have travelled to Belize five times: in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018. Over 60 Cathedral members ranging in age from 15 to 79 have participated in a mission trip to Belize, and hundreds of people in Fredericton have supported the work at St. Hilda's through organizational support, donations and prayers.

In 2010, Cathedral mission team members established a high school scholarship program which has allowed students from St. Hilda’s to apply for a scholarship to continue their education past grade 8. Some of the graduates supported by the Cathedral have gone on to post-secondary education, and all have gained knowledge and experience that will help them in their future.

We are grateful for all who have helped to provide scholarships for these teenagers, and support for programs at the elementary school. Learn more about our mission work in Belize.

You can contribute to the mission in Belize through offering envelopes or donate online.

If you are interested in participating in future endeavors benefiting the students in Belize, please contact the Cathedral Office to connect with members of the Belize mission committee.