Toledo Community College Breaks Ground for New STEAM Pavilion

Education officials, government representatives, and development partners were in Punta Gorda today to mark the start of a major infrastructure project aimed at expanding opportunities for students in southern Belize. Ground was broken for a new STEAM Pavilion at Toledo Community College.  Love News Senior Correspondent Paul Mahung has the details from the Toledo District.

Paul Mahung, Toledo Correspondent: Ground breaking ceremony for over a $2 million STEAM pavilion project was held in Punta Gorda. The morning’s ceremony was held at Toledo Commended College campus where the STEAM pavilion project will be accommodated. Opening remarks were said by Toledo East Representative Honorable Dr. Osmond Martinez.

Dr. Osmond Martinez, Toledo East Area Representative: “The students of the South have always stood out. The district of Toledo and Stann Creek have long produced talented leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, educators, and innovators. Regardless of circumstances or geographic limitations, the people of the South have always prevailed. This investment is an ode. With these STEAM pavilions we have to pair resilience with possibilities, ensuring that every student is given the opportunity to create, innovate, and grow. In our changing world the skills that drive economic growth and social progress are evolving. Employers are increasingly seeking individuals who can think critically, solve problems creatively, work collaboratively, and adapt to new technology. Nations that invest in these capabilities today will be the nations that strive tomorrow.”

Paul Mahung, Toledo Correspondent: The keynote address was done by Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology Chief Executive Officer, Dian Mejia.

Dian Mejia, CEO, Ministry of Education: “The first message that I want to bring to you is really simple. It is that the government of Belize is future focused. And no project proves that commitment as clearly as this one. This STEAM pavillion that will soon be part of your campus has spaces where you will be able to create and to build and to make music and to explore spaces for you to grow and to think. Because here’s another truth. This pavilion has all the bells and whistles. You know that phrase? It’s gonna have all the features that will make it modern and accessible and inclusive and safe, energy efficient and environmentally sustainable. It really will be a beautiful addition to your campus. But all of this will be of no use if you don’t use it. If you, all of you, teachers and students are like 756 students and 50 teachers, if you don’t fill these spaces with your brilliant minds and your crazy ideas and your hard questions and your positive energy this will be a wasted opportunity.”

Paul Mahung, Toledo Correspondent: Educational presentation was done by TCC Science Department Third Form Students and closing remarks were done by TCC Board of Directors Chairman Anthony Fuentes. Thereafter, the ceremony ended with a ground breaking event with the participation of representatives of the Government of Belize, Ministry of Education, IDB, and TCC.

The project is being funded through a partnership involving the Government of Belize and the Inter-American Development Bank and is expected to benefit nearly eight hundred students.