In an extraordinary display of community solidarity, Ocean Academy on Caye Caulker Village has commenced its new academic term utilizing improvised learning spaces after its primary campus became unavailable for classes. The educational institution has implemented an innovative distributed learning model across multiple repurposed facilities throughout the island community.
Principal Noemi Zaiden revealed that contingency planning began prior to the holiday break, with school administrators working diligently to secure alternative teaching environments. The village council contributed crucial spaces including their community center and NEMO emergency operations room, while a former waterfront restaurant previously operating as Fantasy Dining was additionally converted for educational purposes.
“Our team has been transporting infrastructure daily – this morning alone we moved over fifty desks and chairs to prepare these spaces,” Zaiden reported. The single-story restaurant building, while unable to accommodate the entire student body, has enabled the reinstatement of in-person instruction for several classes through carefully coordinated rotational schedules.
Physical education sessions are currently conducted adjacent to the island’s airstrip, maintaining both academic programming and vital social interaction opportunities. “These touchpoints significantly impact student development,” Zaiden emphasized. “Social connectivity remains equally important as curricular concepts during this transitional period.”
The school community awaits governmental authorization to implement a more permanent solution, having already secured approximately 90,000 Belize dollars through local and international fundraising efforts. Prefabricated structures stand ready for deployment on designated land, though administrative approval remains pending despite earlier indications of scheduled meetings.
While Area Representative Andre Perez has projected construction commencement by May, Zaiden maintains focus on immediate educational continuity. “Our present concern addresses the interim period until then,” she stated. “Our students’ learning cannot be postponed.”
The principal extended gratitude to educators, parents, and community members for their sustained support under challenging circumstances, particularly acknowledging teachers’ dedication to both academic quality and student welfare. As the term progresses, the school community maintains hope for imminent approval of their constructed solution, advocating for students’ fundamental right to “safe, dry spaces conducive to learning.”
News Five has initiated contact with Belize’s Ministry of Education seeking official commentary regarding the authorization timeline.