Challenges and Opportunities in the Belize Education Sector

Belize is paying a lot for education but getting little. More youth are outside the school system than in it and many fail to make the transition to the workforce. More and more youth drop out of school and become involved in gang activities. Action is needed if Belize is not to lose a whole generation of youth. This document discusses the current situation of the Belizean education sector and its progress over the last 10 years, its relative performance compared with other countries in the region, and the policies currently being implemented by the education sector in Belize. While the challenges are great, the recommendation is to focus on increased efficiency, quality and equity. To this end, the note discusses policy options that seek to improve educational outcomes with the same or fewer resources.