Childhood Resiliency Effects for School-wide Treatment in Belize City
Childhood Resiliency Effects for School-wide Treatment in Belize City
The purpose of the study is to use existing school resources and improve identification, referral and local support for children that exhibit exposure to childhood trauma resulting from environmental violence in Belize City. The Ministry of Education has identified the goals of the project to reduce violent behaviors in primary school children and supporting those children that have been exposed to violence or other malicious behavior that would inhibit normal school functioning. In addition, the MOE is supporting additional resources and data collection for a comprehensive evaluation of student behavior and academic performance.
Belize is a country with a developing economy based primarily on agriculture and tourism. Crime and violence are emerging as a threat to the country's governance and business climate. The number of homicides in Belize have increased by more than 30% from 2003-2006. This notion of violence, in particular gang violence, is extremely concerning because the population of Belize is very young. Almost half of the population of Belize is under the age of 18. The youth of Belize are becoming engaged in criminal and delinquent behaviors at an early age that have both individual and societal consequences.
In addition to the violence rates among youth in Belize there is also an educational crisis that must be addressed. Education in Belize is compulsory between the ages of 5-14 and in 2001 93% of 5-14 year old children attended school. Although primary school is mandatory (up to age 14), only about 75% of youth complete primary school and only 25% graduate from secondary school. With few students completing high school it is likely that many may turn to gang related and other illegal activities if they are not prepared to undertake better job opportunities, have not been provided with environmental assets that protect from involvement in risky behavior, and if they are exposed to community/family values that condone gang activity. A number of studies have demonstrated that school-based interventions have moderate effects in reducing violence (average of d = .20 across studies). Combining a sound school-based intervention in Belize that is primarily targeted toward students and teachers, but combined with school-based community/family components designed to heighten awareness of the necessity of protective assets, implemented with local and international support teams, and that fosters positive norms may enhance the effects.
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