The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Belize commemorated seven decades of transformative service to women and girls with a special open house event at its Belize City headquarters on March 17, 2026. Rather than merely celebrating the institutional milestone, the organization showcased tangible success stories from its educational and vocational programs.
The anniversary event featured powerful testimonials from program beneficiaries, including Ms. Maryam, a graduate of the YWCA’s health program. The association simultaneously issued an urgent appeal for community support to resurrect several critical initiatives that have been suspended due to financial constraints.
Vice President Bernadette Ellis highlighted the organization’s profound legacy, noting that women literally laid the foundation bricks of their headquarters building. “We have impacted, going way back,” Ellis stated. “We are very proud of where we are and the impact.”
The suspended health program specifically targeted early school leavers—young women who had dropped out of the education system—preparing them to reenter academic environments. The program has produced remarkable outcomes, including master’s and doctorate degree holders, successful entrepreneurs, and qualified teachers who progressed through the YWCA’s preschool and health initiatives.
Ellis emphasized the program’s critical importance while acknowledging its current hiatus: “Right now the program is not on for this semester, but we are hoping and praying that this year we can raise enough funds to carry that program, because it is needed, something that is very important.”
The organization has directed potential supporters to its website and social media platforms for contribution opportunities, seeking to reactivate these vital services that have demonstrated measurable success in advancing women’s education and professional development in Belize.