Nationwide Youth Training Program Wraps with Mental Health Focus

A month-long series of youth empowerment sessions has officially come to a close, marking the completion of the latest cohort of the national training program led by the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children. The initiative, held in partnership with the Spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) and supported by the Republic of China (Taiwan) ICDF, reached 172 students across six high schools nationwide.  Throughout October, sessions were hosted at Our Lady of Guadalupe High School; Orange Walk Technical High School; Muffles College High School; Belmopan Baptist High School; Oceans Academy High School and San Pedro High School.  The program focused on two critical areas: Building Healthy Relationships and Mental Health Awareness, both identified as urgent national priorities amid rising reports of youth mental health struggles and increased incidents of relationship violence.  At today’s closing of this cohort, Special Envoy Rossana Briceno, emphasized that the initiative comes at a time when the country is witnessing a concerning uptick in gender-based violence.

Rossana Briceño, Special Envoy for Families: “Many of our trainers are men, but we’re also recruiting female trainers at this point because the whole, everything changes. This life is dynamic. It just doesn’t stay stagnant. And now that we have been involving and inviting young ladies, women, to participate in our engaging men and boys sessions and forums the men get to understand how you feel. The whole goal and objective of the engaging men and boys is for our young men to learn, to understand that attitudes can change, that cultural traditions that are harmful can change. We don’t have to stick to them because they were passed on to us. These messages matter most for our young people who will soon shape their own lives and the lives of others. You are today’s change makers, as Ms. Erskin said, you are the movement. And you are watching these trainers, the sponsors, the panelists, and learning that transformation is possible.”

Briceno noted that equipping young people with the tools to understand emotional well-being, boundaries, and respectful communication is essential to creating long-term societal change.  She further expressed her confidence that with sustained, practical guidance, young Belizeans can and will adopt healthier behaviors, strengthening families, reducing harm, and building safer communities.

Rossana Briceño, Special Envoy for Families: “My heart is full. I’m very proud of you. And yes, this is the end of a sponsored training. But trust me, this will continue. We have to figure out a way to get to all the schools. First, our S-Clan trainers and coordinator over the past two and a half years, actually, tey have been traveling across the country from San Pedro, Caye Caulker to PG. It’s been a long haul. It’s been a long journey. But they have been leading workshops and educating young people on how to end gender-based violence, how to build healthy relationships. They have brought awareness to mental health issues. and all were addressed so that we can become better versions of ourselves, healthy, and productive citizens of Belize.” 

As this cohort concludes, partners say the program represents an important investment in Belize’s future, empowering youth with the knowledge and resilience needed to navigate challenges and cultivate safe, respectful relationships