Philosophy
Liberty gained its name based on our philosophy of giving children the freedom to be themselves, as well as the freedom from adversities they have had to face in their young lives. From this freedom, our hope is that all Liberty children will have new opportunities for bright and promising futures as adults.
Why Belize?
While the county is known to have some of the beautiful beaches in the world, and the second highest per capita income in Central America, about 50% of all children in Belize live below the poverty line, with poor and neglected children being the most vulnerable. Belize also has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in Central America, making 1 in 10 children vulnerable or affected by the disease. Drugs, violence, prostitution and teen pregnancy are an unfortunate reality for Belizean children who have few positive alternatives. Liberty Children’s Home provides a safe and caring environment to those who might otherwise have no alternative.
The Challenges
Poverty
50% of children in Belize live in poverty and do not have their basic needs of food and shelter met. Stunting due to malnutrition affected about one in five children.
Neglect and Abuse
Child abuse and neglect are widespread problems in Belize. In the majority of situations, the abuser is a family member or caregiver.
AIDS and HIV
Belize has the highest prevalence of HIV and AIDS in Central America. While some of Liberty’s children have AIDs or HIV, it is more common that they are orphaned by it.
Education
Access to early childhood education and secondary education is very low in Belize. This perpetuates the cycle of poverty and other socio-economic disadvantages.
Our Efforts
Home and Nutrition
Liberty Children’s Home houses kids in hurricane proof domes where they live is small groups together. Our property has a small garden to help provide food and teach basic farming skills.
Dedicated Caregivers
Each child has a key caregiver who he or she spends quality time with in order to help develop trust in adults and the ability to form relationships. Liberty sets a high standard for care for the children and provides ongoing training for staff in the residential facilities.
Medical Care
Liberty works with medical volunteers and local providers to ensure children have access to preventative and special medical care.
Learning Priority
Liberty provides access to education whether onsite for preschoolers at the Liberty Education Centre or at the local public secondary education schools. Our children have a positive learning experience which helps ensure children do well socially and academically through the years.
Meet Our Team
Our Director
Agatha Valentine
Director of Liberty Children’s Home
Since joining Liberty in March 2013, Agatha has created massive transitions with the cases that she manages through consistency, structure, discipline and a tremendously dedicated staff. The spiritual, mental, physical and social growth of the residents is of utmost priority. She has created semi-independent living quarters for her adolescents which will aid in guaranteeing that the residents acquire the life skills to survive post institutionalization. She and her team of caregivers and support staff shows incredible affection to the residents at Liberty. She has fostered a holistic environment that where good values, love, and affection is a must.
Prior to her employment at Liberty Children’s Home, she was engaged in work relating to women and Children at the Women’s Issues Network of Belize. There she was involved in extensive advocacy in the areas of human rights, gender, women and children. She was also previously employed at Youth Enhancement Services and sat as Chairperson of the Board of Directors for 2 years. She also served as the Non-Governmental Agencies Representative on the Social Investment Board of Directors up until the start of her employment at Liberty Children’s Home.
Agatha decided to that she wanted her Social Work career to be more involved and to include direct contact with beneficiaries. Her vision is to increase the success rate of the residents and to improve the level of sustainability for the institution.
Agatha has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.