1

♦ F.E.A.’s First

Award Ceremony

♦ Banana Belt Project

♦ Belmopan Book

Club

♦ Early Childhood

Stimulation Month

♦ Mrs. Vernon’s

Instructional

Technology Class

♦ Ms. Paulino’s

Children’s

Literature Class

♦ Dr. Rodney’s

Inspiring

Testimony

♦ Launching of

Spanish Program

♦ F.E.A.’s

Multicultural Day

♦ Amado Chan’s

Latin American

Class

♦ 3rd, Mexico-Belize

Symposium

♦ Heads of

Agreement Panel

♦ Dr. Baker’s

Children

Symposium...

U.B.: F.E.A.F.E.A.F.E.A. ––– Belmopan Belmopan Belmopan Newsletter

January - May 2011 Volume 1, Issue 1

After many years of hard work and dedication, F.E.A.

students saw their dream become a reality. On January 28th, 235

graduands began the day with a ceremonial practice, followed by a

traditional complimentary lunch and ended with the main events of

the day: the Award and Torch Ceremony.

After finalizing the logistics for their graduation

paraphernalia and the graduation practice held in the morning at

the gymnasium, the excited graduands met at the George Price

Centre for a satisfying lunch. For most students, this event was

more than just having lunch. Some expressed to one another

immense relief, for they have overcome a milestone, while others

were pleasantly recalling experiences that have forever left an

imprint. All-in-all, it was truly a cross-road experience as they

prepared to embark on new paths.

F.E.A.’s First Award Ceremony for 2011!

Banana Belt Project Initiated Its Two-Day Orientation

Continued on page 3

On Wednesday, February 9th, the University of Belize began its

orientation for the Certificate in Primary Education (C.P. Ed.),

with a total of 33 students from the Banana Belt communities.

The two day orientation began at 4:00 p.m. at the Independence

High School, a fitting time and place since the majority of

students are primary school teachers in this area.

Ms. Maud Hyde, the project coordinator, welcomed

students giving words of encouragement and introduced the UB

team. Immediately after, Mrs. Shawn Vernon shared a brief

explanation of the online hybrid modality. Ms. Middleton,

director of admissions, then proceeded to register students. She

gave them their UB ID numbers and clarified all queries they had

concerning admissions. Mrs. Tanisha Blake was also present to inform students of procedures they

need to be aware of, such as how to access their grades online. Mr. Crespo, a representative of the

I.C.T. department, then ended the session after walking students through the process of creating

their new UB account, user name, password and other important online procedures.

The second day of orientation introduced students to the two courses offered

this semester through a blended modality (online/face-to-face). Introduction to Education is a three credit course divided into two

sections, being taught by Mrs. Pineda and Mr. Vairez. Continued on page 2

2

Nature of the Learner is a four credit course being taught by Mrs. Paulino. Students

familiarized themselves with their course outlines. Lecturers answered questions and other details,

such as, how to interact in online forums with peers. Students were given a DVD guide with

step-by-step procedures if they need further assistance.

The Certificate in Primary Education is a national initiative that began in 2008, which U.B. has

extended to the Banana Belt region. It is a part of the Banana Belt Primary Education Support Program

which is largely funded by the European Union. The University of Belize, Faculty of Education and

Arts, is the implementing agent. Several F.E.A. lecturers have offered online courses, but never has a

complete program been offered by distance learning. Ms. Maud Hyde proudly asserts that F.E.A. is

the first department to embark on this ground-breaking venture.

Banana Belt Project Initiated Its Two-Day Orientation

On March 2, 2011, The University of Belize Belmopan Book Club had the opportunity to

have Mr. Steven Torriano Berry as a guest speaker. The Belmopan Book Club is spearheaded by

Mrs. Tracy Sangster, who seized the opportunity when hearing that Mr. Steven Torriano Berry was

in Belize and available to share his ideas and experiences with students regarding his book TEARS.

TEARS, a trilogy, commences in a hospital setting where two innocent children are freshly

introduced to the world: Ryan is black; Richard is white. Five years later both boys meet on their

birth date for the first time at the park, and merrily take pleasure in each other’s company. Their

happiness ended abruptly when Richard’s mother enters the park horrified at seeing her son

playing with Ryan. At that moment, she releases deep seated racism towards Ryan; spewing

anger as to why Richard should NEVER play with him. This incident perplexed and daunted both

boys; mercilessly ripping their right to a healthy childhood. In Richard, she planted the bitter seed

of racism and in Ryan, a complex state of confusion…

Mr. Torriano Berry chose a fitting name for a tearjerker, allowing readers to witness

firsthand the venomous thus destructive roots of racism saturating the very soul of those who

nurture and condone this inhumane act, in turn, causing many underlying and unsettling

complexities within those affected. Vincent F. Rocchio’s, author of Reel Racism, stated that,

“Racism is something...people can transcend through friendship.” Is this optimism an

understatement? In an interview Torriano Berry vehemently asserted that many people

dangerously assume that children will eventually “learn” what is right from wrong. Neil Postman,

an author and cultural critic, once expressed that children are, “living messages we send to a time

we will not see,” a statement affirming Berry’s message: to stop imbedding potentially

destructive chips within our very own children if they are to live in harmony when we are gone.

Mr. Steven Torriano Berry is an American film producer and director; he directed the

Belizean dramatic television series, “Noh Matta Wat!” and is currently an associate professor at

Howard University in Washington, D. C. Mr. Berry, on behalf of the University of Belize, we

thank you for a wonderful presentation and discussion on your book and the issue of racism that

permeates our societies.

Continued from page 1

Mrs. Vernon Mrs. Paulino

Students Taking the Certificate in

Primary Education Mrs. Pineda Mr. Vairez

STEVEN TORRIANO BERRY, Author of TEARS Trilogy,

Visited the Belmopan Book Club!

3

Immediately after lunch, in an adjacent room UB students sang the national anthem, after

which Mrs. Tracey Sangster interceded for God’s blessings. Mrs. Judy Waight gave the welcoming

remarks reminding students that they are all “trailblazers.” Mr. Amado Chan, the Master of

Ceremony, kept the audience amused with his many humorous and thoughtful remarks in both

English and Spanish. Before moving on to the presentations of certificates and cord distribution,

Dean Dr. Wilma Wright gave words of advice in sync with the theme: “U.B.– the Premiere National

University: Preparing The Way Forward.” She concluded by encouraging graduands to remember

that “luck is preparation meeting with opportunity.”

Following the Award Ceremony, F.E.A. graduands and lecturers voiced a pledge; thereafter,

the Torch Ceremony began. Dr. August lit the torch that was reverently circulated by every person,

symbolizing that we are all torchbearers. Wherever we go, we should hold high the torch of

learning; committed to quality education.

The F.E.A. department entered this New Year facing budgetary constraints; nevertheless,

the team ensured that graduands were honoured. Thanks to Ms. Manzanero, the Coordinator, who

was behind the scenes working tirelessly, and to all lecturers and staff who volunteered to juggle

tasks such as: cooking, coordinating, transporting food,

fundraising, et cetera, in order to make this event possible.

The Early Childhood Stimulation Centre Celebrates Kindergartners in the Month

of March: “Parents-Educate Your Child!”

The Early Childhood Stimulation Centre leads the way in celebrating and

advocating on the importance of exposing precious little minds to an education.

Every year, in the month of March, pre-schools celebrate early childhood

education. The Early Childhood Stimulation Month began with an open talk/parade

on March 1st, with the theme “Parents- Educate Your Child!” and ended with a

closing parade on April 1st. Every day, the Early Childhood Stimulation Centre was

booked with special fun filled activities for the kindergarteners. Mrs. Torres, the

coordinator, invited parents and members of the Belmopan community to express

solidarity in voicing the importance of early childhood education.

The Early Childhood Stimulation Centre was proposed by Dr. Vilma

Joseph, and Lecturers of the F.E.A. department: Mr. Amado Chan, Leonardo Pott,

Elma Arzu and Mrs. Paulino, nurtured the project to a successful fruition. While

the pre-school’s intended purpose is to innovatively engraft fundamentals of

education to kindergarteners in a nurturing environment, it also serves as a model

school fostering an educational symbiotic relationship with the pre-school and

UB’s students.

On September 26, 2005, the Early Childhood Stimulation Centre began

with six students, taught by Mrs. Paulino. Today it consists of three teachers and a

total of forty-five active toddlers!

F.E.A. Dean: Dr. Wright

The Charismatic M.C.

Dr. Wright Student Mrs. Pineda

Graduation

Honors

Cumulative Grade Point

Average

Previous

System

Current

System

Cum Laude 3.25 - 3.49 3.50 - 3.64

Magna Cum Laude 3.50 - 3.74 3.65 - 3.84

Summa Cum Laude 3.75 - 4.0 3.85 - 4.0

The New GPA Honors System:

Continued from page 1 F.E.A.’s First Award Ceremony for 2011!

4

Mrs. Shawn Vernon’s Instructional Technology class visited the Early Childhood

Stimulation Centre, on Friday, March 18th, with various interactive activities for the

children. The purpose was to pre-test second year kindergarteners on “word sighting,” using

various teaching techniques.

Guided by online research, students implemented teaching methods using

book-rings, miniature books, colouring books, flash cards with dolch words, and even

power-point to help pre-schoolers sight words and voice them simultaneously. In the 1920s

Edward William Dolch created these, “sight words” primarily for pre-schoolers to become

familiar with. Most of these words are “phonetically irregular words” and commonly used in

children’s literature. Students from the Instructional Technology class gave book-rings with

“sight words” and other teaching paraphernalia to every child in hopes that they will use the

material every day, with the guidance of their pre-school teacher.

Mrs. Vernon’s students found that many second year kindergarteners know the

letters of the alphabet, but most did not know the dolch words. Therefore, this is a timely

project that will assist students to transition into sighting words, instead of just letters, to

develop their reading skills. Students of the Instructional Technology class intend to return

at the end of the semester to assess the progress these preschoolers have achieved.

Instructional Technology Class Prepare Kindergarteners

to Transition into Reading!

Children’s Literature Class Took Storytelling to a Whole New Level!

Since the inception of the Early Childhood Stimulation Centre, and as a part of the Early

Childhood Stimulation Month, Mrs. Paulino has established a yearly reading session. On March

22nd, Her Children’s Literature Class entertained the youngsters using their story telling and

dramatizing skills.

The children were entertained with four fables: “Kimbo & Limbo,” “Rabbits’ Habits,”

“How the Turtle Got Its Shell Cracked” and “The Squeaky Door.” The students introduced their

stories by asking questions about various Belizean animals, to which they received many eager

responses from the children. Their vibrant costumes depicting the flora and fauna of Belize kept

the children captivated throughout. They also ended their sessions testing the children’s listening

skills and emphasizing the moral of the story.

Mrs. Paulino said her students will be graded on how well they utilize their story telling

skills using the English language. These activities are beneficial in communicating important

lessons, simultaneously utilizing Belizean settings and cultures. Story- telling is a valuable

teaching technique, for it enables children to consider their peer’s viewpoints and feelings; thus,

teaching them to become aware of and respect differences.

5

After retiring from the post of Assistant Dean for the past 15 years at Moore

House School of Medicine in December 2010, she came to Belize for a quiet vacation,

but the wealth of information she holds makes her life far from quiet! The History

department seized the opportunity and invited the humble Dr. Patricia Rodney to share

her remarkable testimony with students of the University of Belize in the Jaguar

Auditorium on Wednesday, February 16th. Dr. Patricia Rodney is the widow of

Caribbean historian and writer, Dr. Walter Rodney, who was assassinated in 1980 in

George Town Guyana at the age of 38. Dr. Rodney gave an extensive heartfelt

summary on the struggles she faced as a single parent navigating through the different phases of life.

Dr. Rodney earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Sociology and Adult Education from the University of Toronto

Canada, and her Master’s in Public Health from Emery University in Atlanta Georgia. Her focus has always been on “Health

and Wellness of Family and Community”; therefore, over the past 20 years, she executed extensive work in adult education

and literacy, women’s health and development and occupational health and safety. She is the author of: The Caribbean State,

Health Care and Women African World Press, 1998. She is also the editor of two special issues of The American Journal of

Health Studies on the “Health of Women of Colour.” She investigated case studies in Barbados and Grenada on: Health Status

of Caribbean Women. During the revolution and invasion of Grenada, 1979-1983, she did a “Historical Overview of the Health

System and Its Uniqueness” a retrospective study on women’s health. She has worked in the Caribbean, East Africa, South

Africa, Canada and the United States. Dr. Rodney said that she primarily wants to be remembered as a mother and

grandmother. Dr. Rodney esteems her greatest achievement to have been: “A Jewel Parent” a single parent whose first

devotion was to her children’s development. She ensured that her children had the same opportunities they would have had if

their father was alive. It was not an easy task, with resilience and commitment, she saw her youngest daughter become a

lawyer, her second daughter a physician and her son a business man in Barbados.

Dr. Rodney believes that it is important to step aside and give leadership to the younger generation. Therefore, her next

phase is to spend more time in the Caribbean and to write about her life as a woman and to write about her husband as a father

and a friend. To honour her husband, she established the Walter Rodney Foundation to promote his works. This foundation

seeks to support primary and secondary school scholarship programs in Guyana: focusing on education, health and social

justice; ensuring children who don’t have opportunities are granted opportunities. She briefly spoke about the annual Walter

Rodney symposium in Atlanta honouring her husband during the week of his birthday, March 23rd. This year’s symposium is

on March 19th; the theme is always focused on his areas of interest: underdevelopment and development. This year’s theme is:

Natural Disasters for underdeveloped Marginalized Communities.

Dr. Rodney took the opportunity to encourage U.B. students to take charge of their destiny because if they don’t

somebody will. She encourages youths to give back to the community; “Never burn your bridges” build on relationships and

sustain those relationships because networking creates opportunities in the future. She reminds us that opportunities are not

about money, but about how one can learn and grow from any situation, be it positive or negative. Thank you Dr. Rodney for

these words of wisdom.

Dr. Patricia Rodney’s Inspiring Testimony!

6

U.B.’s Newest Program: B.Sc. in Spanish Education

Overview of the Belmopan Multicultural Fair

U.B.’s Faculty of Education and Arts (F.E.A.) through its four departments,

Education, English, History and Spanish, is leading a vigorous journey in the name of

education. On February 2011, F.E.A. implemented the Certificate in Primary Education

(C.P. Ed.) via online-blended/modality, for the Banana Belt Region. A month later, on

March 28th, F.E.A. officially launched its newest program, B.Sc. in Spanish Education.

Present at the ceremony were: President, Dr. Corinth Morter- Lewis; F.E.A. Dean,

Dr. Wilma Wright; Provost, Dr. Ismael Hoare, and Coordinator of the Spanish Department,

Mr. Jhon E. Flórez. Distinguished guests were Mr. Christian Celdrán, Cultural Attaché from

the Embassy of Spain in Guatemala and Mrs. Ana Isabel Sánchez Salmerón, an invited

professor from Spain, currently residing in Miami. Guests were welcomed at 5:30 p.m. by

the famous, Mr. William Neal, Master of Ceremonies and U.B.’s Dean of Student Affairs.

The ceremony ended at 7:00 p.m., followed by a cocktail at the Regional Language Centre

(R.L.C.) building.

Highlights of the evening included remarks of F.E.A. Dean, Dr. Wright; The

History of the Spanish Department recounted by Mr. Flórez; the current situation of Spanish

teaching in 2011 presented by Mrs. Salmerón. All presentations echoed the significance of

having fully trained Spanish teachers, in primary and secondary classrooms in Belize. Mr.

Flórez deduced that, “Language is more than memorizing words; speaking a language

involves cognitive processes, social and cultural issues, language change and language

variation, among others.” As a result, due to lack of training in the Spanish language, many

teachers are currently not teaching the language efficiently. He expressed how proud he is

that the University of Belize is now offering a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish Education to

address this need. The Spanish program began in August 2010 with a total of 25 students.

In conjunction with the Early Childhood Stimulation Month and F.E.A. Open Day,

on Wednesday, March 30th the F.E.A department held its traditional Multicultural Fair

simultaneously on all three U.B. campuses (Belize City, Belmopan, and Toledo). The official

opening started at 10:00 a.m. in Belmopan. The fair was a collage of cultural performances,

group displays and presentations on the Mayas, Creoles, Garinagu, Mestizos, East Indians,

Mennonites, Chinese/Taiwanese, Literary and Visual Art Competitions, etc. covering

historical background of groups, as well as displays of their cultural elements: foods, dances,

music, clothing, beliefs and practices and their contribution to the Belizean society and

identity. Multiculturalism is rooted in appreciation and respect for cultures and harnessing a

greater awareness of cross cultural sharing within our communities.

—-Excerpt from invitation letter written by Chairpersons of the Faculty of Education and

Arts to principals and teachers of primary and secondary schools.

Mrs. Arzu (second to left) with her

Advanced Composition Class at the

Multicultural Fair.

Students at the Multicultural Fair...

First Cohort taking Bachelor’s in

Spanish Education

Mrs. Elma Arzu’s Advanced Composition Class Advanced Composition, as the name implies, is a course that entails the skilful crafting of

diction to facilitate self-expression. It is a course that has writing at its core; however, we

discovered that interpretation is of greatest importance. Therefore, we as composers and

lovers of Literature chose to embrace a variety of literary techniques that include all the

four skills of learning and communication: understanding, speaking and listening, reading,

and writing. We developed this creative style of sharing our knowledge and appreciation

for Literature, and it definitely enhanced a deeper comprehension of the Literature even

among our audience. The abstract art and the mobiles that we created came to life and we

demonstrated "mastery" of our craft when we interpreted the literature through the different

mirrors making meaning that is beautiful, significant, remarkable, and distinguished.

-Written by Mrs. Elma Arzu

7

THANK YOU!!

March 25 to April 1, 2010 was celebrated as F.E.A. week. During this week the faculty, staff and students of the Faculty of

Education and Arts celebrated their many achievements and showcased their numerous talents. Some of the highlights of the week

were the launching of the Spanish Program; the multicultural fair on the Belmopan, Belize City and Toledo campuses; and the Early

Childhood Parade. The success of this week demonstrated the dynamic and collaborative spirit that exists at the University of

Belize.

I take this opportunity to express my sincerest thank you to the organizers of the F.E.A. week- (Mr. Jhon Flores, Mr. Cesar

Ross, Mrs. Olga Manzanero, Mr. Amado Chan, Dr. Alberto August and Mrs. Rose Pineda on the Belmopan campus; Mrs. Nadine

Tun and Ms. Ritamae Hyde in Belize City, and Mr. Anthony Brown in Punta Gorda). I am proud of your innovative leadership in

spearheading the various activities with such creativity, professionalism and integrity.

Special thanks to the faculty and students from the Regional Language Center; the History, Spanish, English and Education

departments for their contributions to the multicultural fair, the launching of the Spanish Program and the other events which

occurred during this special week. A heartfelt thank you to Lady Jennifer Tatum who kept everyone “on their toes” and ensured

that we kept to our targets. To the other secretaries who worked quietly behind the scenes- Ms. Naomi Smith, Ms. Lynn Smith, Ms.

Bradley and Ms. Munoz.

On behalf of the F.E.A. family I also express our deepest appreciation to the UB administrators – the Provost, Dr. Ismael

Hoare, President Corinth Morter-Lewis, Human Resource Director, Mrs. Hertha Gentle, Mr. Selwyn King and the rest of the OPI

team and Dean William Neal for your support and sometimes going beyond the call of duty to ensure that the events materialized. A

million thanks to Mr. Acosta and the Student Government for their financial support and human power.

To the scores of primary and secondary schools across the country who attended the multicultural fair- many thanks. To the

various embassies in Belize, Ms. Ana Isabel Sánchez Salmerón from the Embassy of Spain in Miami, and the numerous

communities in Belize who participated in the various events during this week- we appreciate your support.

Kudos to Mrs. Torres; the entire Early Childhood Stimulation Center teachers, parents and students who worked tirelessly

during the entire Early Childhood month but more so during F.E.A. week. You added a special flavor to the F.E.A. week.

To everyone who participated in F.E.A. week - you carried your candle superbly.

Respectfully Yours,

Wilma N. Wright

Dean- F.E.A.

Dean’s Expression of Gratitude

Launching of the Spanish Education

Bachelor’s Program

Dr. Wright at the Belmopan

Multicultural Fair

F.E.A. Team at the Early Childhood

Stimulation Month Closing Parade

8

“Voz Latina de Belice”

Heads of Agreement Panel

On Wednesday, 6th April, the History & Anthropology Department of the

University of Belize in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted a

panel discussion on The Heads of Agreement of 1981 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the

Jaguar Auditorium, Central Campus, Belmopan.

The panelists are Belizeans who emerged as young activist leaders in that

period, and who focused on reactions of the Belizean public immediately after the

publishing, through print and radio media, of a series of topics that were brought up in

a meeting of the British, the Guatemalan, and Belizean delegates, referred to as “the

Heads of Agreement.” The resulting protest, starting in mid March of 1981, was to

lead to such unrest for a prolonged period of time causing Belize to experience

Independence in September of 1981 under a state of emergency.

The information of experiences that these panelists shared was eye-opening

and informative for the majority of students in attendance and a trip down memory

lane for a few. The events of that period were made more real and hopefully serve as

lessons to all who attended.

——-Written by Cesar Ross

On Wednesday, March 30th, Mr. Chan’s Latin American Literature Class

held its fifth annual conference entitled: “Voz Latina de Belice,” at the Jaguar

Auditorium. The event commenced with the famous Mariachi band serenading the

audience with their melodious rancheros. The event was enriched even more with

various Belizean Latin American writers who passionately echoed their literary

works.

Mr. Amado Chan opened the ceremony by introducing Elena Baeza del

Cid, the mistress of ceremonies. Gustavo Chi interceded in prayer, followed by

Evangelina Aragón who gave the welcoming address. The invited guest of honour

was Lisa Shoman, who expressed her profound gratitude for being invited to such

a distinctive event. She said the beautiful thing about Belize is that we all came

from distinctive places and cultures, but we are all united by being Belizeans.

Other presenters were: Pablo García, Jóse Guerra, Eduardo Rodríguez,

Erwin Contreras, Gerardo Aldana Jr., Gerardo Polanco, Elodío Aragón y David

Ruiz. The thank you speech was voiced by Jody Jones.

9

The third Mexico-Belize Seminar was held at the University of Belize in Belmopan on the 4th and 5th April

2011. The theme was “Social and Cultural Dynamics Across Borders” and included four sub-themes: Art and

Development; Population and Society; Publishing and Development and; Language and Culture. This Seminar

follows two previous ones that were held at the University of Quintana Roo in Chetumal. The first held on the 16th

of April 2010 had the theme, “Pollution, Biodiversity and Environmental Education in Mexico and Belize: The

Rio Hondo, a Shared Border”; the second was held between 30th of September and 1st of October 2010 with the

theme: “From Colony to Nation: Socio-political Process in Mexico and Belize.”

The four themes Art and Development; Population and Society, Publishing and Development and

Language and Culture were developed in four panel sessions with the participation of researchers, professors,

NGO Leaders, artists and students. About thirty presenters and a sizeable audience participated in the event

discussing important topics such as the creation of spaces for artistic expression, the management of diversity and

linguistic plurality, the relationship between ethnicity and the construction of citizenship and the future of the

publishing industry within a post-colonial and market context. There were also two key-note addresses by

Belizean Author David Ruiz whose presentation was titled “Stone Soup: a Creative Move Out of Mediocrity” and

Dr. Jesus Serna Professor at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México whose presentation was titled

“Towards a Latin-American Focus in Afro-American Studies”

The Third Mexico-Belize Seminar promoted dialogue and exchange between Belizean and Mexican

academics, the participation of young researchers and the intellectual curiosity of students. Participating in the

event were students from the University of Belize and several other schools such as Belmopan Comprehensive

High School. It also included the participation of students from the University of Quintana Roo who were

accompanied by Professor Carlos Barrachina, and from the CIALC program of the Universidad Nacional

Autónoma de México. The Mexican students were able to stay at the Central Farm Campus of the University of

Belize and were able to visit the offices of the National Institute for Culture and History (NICH) and the National

Archives of Belize. Ivan Interian, Director of the Documention Center of the Carribbean (CEDOC) of the

University Quintana Roo, was also able to visit National Archives of Belize and renew institutional contacts with

Lizeth Thompson.

The third seminar was coordinated by the Director of Research of the University of Belize, Filiberto

Penados, with the support of a bi-national committee that included Dr. Angel Cal, Director of Quality Assurance at

the University of Belize; Nigel Encalada, Director of the Instituted for Social and Cultural Research (ISCR) of

Belize’s National Institute for Culture and History (NICH); Montserrat Casademut, Direcotor of Cubola

Productions; Jhon Flórez, coordinator of the Spanish Department of the University of Belize; Yasser Musa, Image

Factory; and, Elisabeth Cunin, IRD-UQROO-CIESAS. The Seminar also received support from various

institutions including the University of Belize, NICH, Cubola Productions, Image Factory, the Belize Ministry of

Foreign Affairs Universidad de Quintana Roo, INAH, CIESAS in México, the Mexican Embassy, Institut de

Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) and the Colegio Franco Mexicano en Ciencias Sociales de Francia.

The seminar was inaugurated by Dr. Corinth Morter-Lewis, President of the University of Belize; The

Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wilfred Elrington; Mr. George Thompson, Acting Director of the

Institute of Archaeology (NICH); Mr. Horacio Espinosa, Technical Secretary of the University of Quintana Roo;

Dr. Ismael Hoare, Provost of the University of Belize; Mr Allan Ortega, representing Adriana Velázquez Morlet,

Director of INAH in Quintana Roo; Domingo Rodríguez, Head of the Cultural, Educational and Cooperation of

the Mexican Embassy in Belize.

——-Elisabeth Cunin and Filiberto Penados

Dr. Filiberto

Penados

Mr. Yasser Musa

Mr. David Ruiz

Mr. Emil Pulido

Dr. Jesus Serna Caracol YCD Group Mrs. Claudia

Orantes Panel 2: Population & Society B.C.S. Students

10

It is not a secret that childhood is the most vulnerable stage of human life, and

that adults are the product of their childhood. Therefore, it is imperative that teachers

are equipped to immediately detect signs of disturbance in a child and address the

situation with professionalism. Assisting a child to cope during turbulent times, most

likely, is teaching a child to become a strong and fully functioning adult. In an article

entitled, “Save the Children,” Jason Strelitz, a poverty adviser, wrote "If you look at

the list in the report from UNICEF, the countries that do really well across a broad

range of areas are those countries that invest in their children.” The University of

Belize, Faculty of Education and Arts, through a community outreach is hoping to

teach parents and teachers to invest in their children/students through education.

On Wednesday, May 4th, at the Jaguar Auditorium, Belmopan campus,

approximately one hundred and twenty students from the faculty of Education and Arts

held the “Second Annual-Community Outreach Symposium,” under the theme:

“Empowering Education for Children in Today’s Society.” Dr. Thomasine Baker, the

coordinator of the event and Assistant Professor of these students, wrote: “the event is

aimed to provide participants with strategies to overcome barriers that negatively

impact learning for children.”

The information booths and displays covered a wide range of topics such as:

The event was filled with interactive activities provided by students at each booth, and drawing of prizes occurred approximately

every 15 minutes. Snacks and beverages were available. The symposium began at 11 a.m. and concluded at 1 p.m.

Dr. Thomasine Baker (middle) with

her Students.

Strategies for Working with

Special Needs Children in a

Traditional Classroom

Educational

Psychology

Introduction of

Guidance and

Counselling

(I and II)

Adolescent

Psychology

Hearing Impairment Curriculum

Planning

Choosing a Career

Path

Media Influences

and Moral

Development

Learning Disorders Short and Long

Term Memory

Theory

A Strong Family

Builds a Strong

Society

Causes of

Adolescent Suicide

Behavioural Disorders

How Learning is

transferred

Improving Academic

Performance (PSE)

Sex as a Behavioural

Problem

Building Self Esteem

Impressions of; The

Fully Functioning

Person (based on

Carl Rogers Theory)

11

Belmopan F.E.A.’s Office Hours: Mon-Thur: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed during lunch)

Fri: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed during lunch)

Thanks to Dr. Wright, dean of F.E.A. for her support.

Thanks to: Mr. A. Chan, Ms. Hyde, Mr, Flórez, and Mrs. Torres for

assisting in editing a few stories and to Mr. Guerra for the holistic

editing. Thanks to the faculty and staff who contributed in some way.

Editor: Hiric S. Aguilar

Photographer: Hiric S. Aguilar

January 10th, Belize City: Faculty Planning Meeting

-Planning Committee Members 2011-12. Faculty divided into 8 groups: Early Childhood Education

Center, Revision of Bachelor in Primary Education Program, Setting Standards for Practicum,

Assessment, Recruitment- 2011-2012, Open Distance and Learning, Adopt a school Team and

Research/Grants.

January 21nd, Meeting to Finalize Manual and Ensuring Process (Mgmt Team) -Mrs. Rose was in the finalizing committee for the Advising Manual (Note it was not an F.E.A.

Committee).

January 26th, Faculty Meeting at RLC

-F.E.A. major events in February-Calendar of activities (R. Pineda-Chair), Update on F.E.A.

week- 28th March to April 1st (C. Ross), Various types of leave and general information to faculty (Ms.

H. Gentle-HR Director) and student records (Dr. R. Young- Registrar).

February 2nd, Table of Specifications Workshop at the Admin. Building -Constructing Table of Specifications Workshop was co-facilitated by Mr. Gilroy Middleton M.Sc.

And Dr. Pricilla Brown Lopez.

February 9th, Quality Enhancement Plan Meetings

-Dr. Cal- Quality Assurance-

February 16th, Design of Exam Items Work Shop at the Admin. Building

-Dr. Priscilla Lopez and Mr. Gilroy Middleton - coordinator of workshop.

February 23rd, Faculty Meeting at RLC Room 225 -Mr. Flores reported on the launching of Spanish Program

-Mr. Ross spoke of activities planned for the Belmopan Multicultural Fair

-Mr. Pech and Ms. Manzanero expressed plans for the teaching Practicum and Field Experience

-Invited guests: Dr. Filiberto Pinados and Mr. Akinjida Zuberi

March 2nd, Alternative Assessment Workshop at The Early Childhood Stimulation Center -Mr. Nestor Chan expounded on the many details one must consider when constructing an

Alternative Assessment Exam

March 4th, GEC IOLS at the Jaguar Building -Dr. Cal – Quality Assurance

-Record of meetings provided by Naomi Smith, F.E.A. Secretary II.

Meetings Held by F.E.A. in Semester 2010-2

12

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1–

Faculty Meeting (9am to 2pm) -All F.E.A. Faculty

2-

Assessment of Students’ Learning -All F.E.A. Faculty

3– F.E.A. Research Agendas -All F.E.A. Faculty

4-

5-

6- Department Planning (i.e. alignment of course syllabi and outlines for consistency and continuity; finalize program specifications etc.

7-

June 6-8

8-

Department Planning (i.e. alignment of course syllabi and outlines for consistency and continuity; finalize program specifications etc.

9-

June 9-16 Update of students’ file. All F.E.A. Faculty and Faculty Appraisal

10-

11-

12-

13-

14-

15-

16-

17- F.E.A’s Second Award Ceremony for 2011

18-

Graduation

19-

20-

Faculty Vacation Commences

21-

22-

23-

24-

25-

26-

27– 28– Notes:

UB Mission:

The University

of Belize is a

national,

autonomous

and

multi-location

institution

committed

to excellence

in higher

education,

research and

service for

national

development.

As a catalyst of

change it

provides

relevant,

affordable and

accessible

educational

and training

programs that

address

national needs

based on

principles of

freedom,

equity,

transparency,

merit and

accountability.

F.E.A. Newsletter: All F.E.A. faculty, staff and affiliates can submit information for publication.

Send submissions via e-mail to: fea@ub.edu.bz. or to haguilar@edu.bz

JUNE 2011