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Toucan Education Programs

A Year in Review: Empowering Students and Cultivating Development

Rhondine Petrof • December 10, 2023

The night sky in Belize is a breathtaking view with twinkling stars and the fragrant scent of the rainforest. It was against this sublime backdrop that our students embarked on a transformative journey in 2023. Looking back on this enriching year, we are proud of our diverse and impactful programs, which have been designed as profound stepping stones to help shape global citizens.

Engaging Students in Meaningful Ways

Pre-med Shadowing Program

Belize offers a unique opportunity for pre-med students to witness and learn from the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and the resilience of the human spirit.

These experiences provide valuable insights, highlighting the importance of empathy and compassion in the healthcare field.

Through clinical exposure, students gain a deeper appreciation for the humane aspects underlying medical science, learning from seasoned professionals and enriching their understanding of healthcare.

Pre-Med Student on Medicinal Trail
Speech Program

Speech Pathology and Audiology Partnerships

Our initiatives for the year 2023 were established through partnerships. Professors and undergraduate students worked together with local educators to create a constructive dialogue in support of special education in Belize.

This collaboration between speech pathology and audiology brought a tangible sense of enthusiasm to the classrooms, paving the way for a brighter future for the children of Belize.

Public Health Support

The University of Indianapolis Public Health Science program, including students and educators, collaborated with public health initiatives in Belize.

They actively participated in health campaigns in rural school communities, gaining hands-on experience and understanding the important connection between health and community.

Agriculture Abroad Programs in Partnership with Toucan

Public health students and faculty Maya History Site

As part of their academic curriculum, students from North Carolina A&T State University and Fort Valley State University participated in a cultural exchange program in rural communities of Belize.


The program allowed the students to work alongside local farmers and gain practical experience in the diverse and rich agricultural traditions of the region.

 

During the program, they learned about crop cultivation, micro-processing, and sustainable farming practices. The students were also able to immerse themselves in the local culture and develop long-lasting relationships with the community.

Students engaged in Garifuna Cultural Learning Immersion

Immersive Learning and Cultural Exchange

Through Toucan Education Programs' various partnerships, students had the opportunity to be immersed in the diverse cultural fabric of Belize. In addition to being able to explore the country's different traditions and customs, students also participated in a structured, facilitated intercultural learning co-curriculum.


By engaging in intentional intercultural interactions during their stay in Belize, students developed a deep sense of empathy towards people from different backgrounds.


As a result, they not only gained a comprehensive understanding of various cultures but also reinforced their commitment to celebrating diversity. This played a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive community and helped them gain a greater understanding of their own cultural identity and worldview.

Tree Planting Initiative

Each student, through our Plant A Tree Reforestation Program, contributes to the planting of two new trees in Belize, leaving a legacy beyond their study abroad experience.


We work closely with Friends for Conservation and Development, empowering local farming families through training and transforming them into stewards of the land. Our shared endeavor against deforestation turns every educational journey into a footprint of sustainability.


Join our mailing list to find out how many trees our 2022 students planted! Stay tuned...


Want to be a part of this green movement? Enroll today and reimagine your educational journey as one that echoes sustainability. Let's together turn our footprints into a trail of thriving green landscapes."

Agriculture Students in Belize

Marilyn McElwain Belizean Scholarship

We are more than just an organization providing enriching educational experiences — we are a community. Central to this community is our commitment to sustaining and nurturing the growth of Belizean education. It's a commitment that comes to life through the Marilyn McElwain Belizean High School Scholarship, anchored in our unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.


This Scholarship stands as a symbol of our collective effort, embodying the very essence of our philosophy — reciprocity. Being part of our study abroad programs and merchandise purchases isn't just about individual growth; it's about fostering a mutual exchange of empowerment. Each experience, each purchase, contributes to positive change — a testament to our re-investment in the Belizean community.


5% of the profit from every study abroad program and merchandise purchase is directed to this scholarship, directly aiding Belizean high school students who are financially strained. Your partnership with us, therefore, is far more reaching, extending to the Belizean community's future — its youth.


As partners in this journey, we are creating opportunities, innovating learning experiences, and paving the way for a brighter future. Together, we are extending the possibilities of education, turning boundaries into bridges, and transforming lives in Belize. Join us and make an impact that resonates beyond borders.

Students immersed in Maya culture

Diverse Participants & Empowering First-Generation Students

As we welcomed the 2023 cohort, we couldn't help but notice the amazing diversity that each student brought to the table. They came from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, yet their shared passion for learning and growth united them. We were especially touched by the resilience of those who were the first in their families to undertake an international voyage, shattering barriers and broadening their horizons. It was a true celebration of the power of education to bring people together and inspire them.

Conclusion

In the year 2023, we witnessed an incredible transformation and determination that inspired many. It was a year marked by academic rigor and a quest for societal evolution, where action was taken to bring about positive change. Belize proved to be a meaningful education destination, offering a living laboratory for students and educators to explore and learn from. At Toucan Education Programs, we are dedicated to prioritizing the academic and personal growth of our visiting students.

We provide a safe and supportive environment during and after our education abroad programs. Our programs are intentionally designed to help students Serve, Learn, and Explore Belize ethically and responsibly. We believe that our commitment to creating ethical and responsible programs sets us apart and enables us to provide a unique and valuable experience to our participants.

Professors and Students on a Pontoon Boat in the Vaca Reserve in Belize
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