WHAT IS ‘PROJECT BELIZE’?

Project Belize is an ongoing endeavor of St. Maria Goretti Parish to provide support for St. Viator Vocational High School in Chunox Village Belize, Central America.  Funds have been raised to help build a room for a library at the new school.  A Moline native, Father Chris Glancy, CSV,  is the pastor of the local parish, St. Francis Xavier, in Corozal Town, twenty-six miles from Chunox.

WHAT HAVE WE ACCOMPLISHED?

Through a variety of fund-raising events in 2005 and 2006 we have contributed $9400 toward the building of the school library.

WHAT ARE OUR FUTURE PLANS?

Already in 2007 we held a Euchre Tourney that raised $540.00. 

This spring we hope to be collecting books that will be sent to Belize for the library.  Books in English appropriate for upper middle-grades and high school are needed.

In July we will again sponsor a benefit performance at Richmond Hill Players in Geneseo.  The show “A Few Good Men” will be held Wednesday, July 18.

And, we are in the early stage of planning for a work-and-play trip of parishioners to Belize early 2008.

WHAT DO WE HEAR FROM CHUNOX?

In a recent note of thanks, Fr. Thomas von Behren, the Provincial of the Viatorians, states:

“The school is making great strides.  By offering a well-rounded curriculum in agriculture, they are training future farmers to make efficient use of the land that will produce a sustainable income for them and their families.  The teaching methods include both classroom instruction that entails library research and the practical experience of planting in the fields and tending to farm animals.

The school is also training people to work in the tourist industry.  As that industry grows and requires more trained workers, the graduates from Chunox St. Viator will be well qualified for the jobs.

These dreams are becoming a reality because of the support from friends like you….”