Training - Belizean Style

I arrived in Belize about 10 days ago and have been running around the country ever since. Peace Corps Belize had organized a packed training schedule for me. Normally training takes 2-3 months but because I already served in Burkina, they are cutting it down to 10 days!

I have spent several days in Belmopan, the capital of Belize, at the Peace Corps office in meetings with the staff to learn about PC Belize, medical concerns, safety and security, culture and history, and about the health sector's project plan and goals. I even had a short lesson in Belizean Creole which most people speak here. Its based on English but I can only understand about every fifth word!

Belmopan is a tiny city and its hard to believe its the capital. I heard that the capital was Belize City until a huge hurricane wiped it all out in 1961. It was decided to move the capital inland to avoid the same problem in the future. It seems that most people who work here still commute from Belize City which is about an hour or so away. Belize City is much larger and I've been told very dangerous in many parts. This is where the airport is located and where cruise ships land but of course, that section is cleaned up and very nice.

I also spent a day and a half in Belize City at the headquarters of my organization, Belize Family Life Association. This is the local affiliate of International Planned Parenthood Federation. They've been in Belize over 25 years and are a well-established and respected organization. I will be working at one of their district offices.

I was lucky enough to do a three day shadow visit to see how a real PCV in Belize lives and works. KC lives in the town of Independence and has been in Belize since last March. We had a great time hanging out and talking about our Peace Corps experiences. She live right on the coast and there is a 10 minute water taxi from her town to Placencia, a well-known tourist village. The ride was great and we enjoyed an afternoon on the beach! Absolutely gorgeous! I also saw where she works at the polyclinic, very similiar to my health center in Burkina but with way more resources and services.

I then spent two days at my new site before returning to Belmopan today to finish up training. I move in tomorrow and start work for real on Monday.

Throughout my time in Belize I have been able to meet many other PCVs and have been impressed at how welcoming they have been. Its a smaller group here than in Burkina and it seems they are very close.

I've heard that volunteers here say that PCV stands for Paid Caribbean Vacation. Not too bad for a third year assignment! If I can go to the beach during training, I am more than happy!