Belmopan, June 17, 2026.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST), in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) under the Skills for the Future Program, has launched an ambitious nationwide initiative to strengthen inclusive education across Belize. The program will train 500 teachers in Inclusive Education practices and the development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), beginning with a foundational cohort of 55 teachers and Special Education Officers who will be certified as Special and Inclusive Education Coaches.
The inaugural training is currently underway, bringing together participants from across the country for a week-long in-person intensive session held at the University of Belize in Belmopan and at the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institute in Belize City. Following the in-person sessions, coaches will continue their professional development through online classes and structured mentoring, ensuring sustained support and skill development.
These newly trained coaches will serve as a critical resource network throughout Belize, providing guidance and support to classroom teachers working with students with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in inclusive settings. The coach model is designed to build local capacity that will ripple outward — equipping hundreds of teachers across the country with the tools and knowledge to create more equitable, accessible learning environments.
This initiative reflects Belize’s commitment to inclusive education as a fundamental right, in alignment with international frameworks and sustainable development goals. The IDB’s Skills For The Future Program, with grant funding from GPE, provides the technical and financial support that makes this national scale-up possible.
The full training program is expected to reach 500 teachers nationwide, with the newly certified coaches playing a central role in training delivery, mentoring, and ongoing classroom support.
Ends
About MoECST
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) is the government ministry responsible for directing educational policy and the delivery of education services throughout Belize.
About the IDB Skills for the Future Program
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) supports countries across Latin America and the Caribbean in strengthening education systems and workforce development to build more inclusive, future-ready societies.
About Global Partnership for Education (GPE)
GPE is the largest global fund dedicated to transforming education in lower-income countries, and a unique, multi-stakeholder partnership. They work to deliver quality education so that every girl and boy can unlock their potential and contribute to building a better world.
