March 4, 2010No. 6/10-G CDB to Host Exit Workshop for Belize Technical and Vocational Education and Training Project A project in Belize conceptualised as a means of addressing the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) deficiencies in the system, and ultimately improving the competitiveness of the Belizean economy, is coming to its conclusion. The Government of Belize (GOB) signed a loan agreement with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in January 2001, for the enhancement of TVET in the country. The project addressed both infrastructural and human resource development issues. Three new Centres for Employment Training (CETs) were established and there was expansion of the two existing centres. The Centres were also fully equipped. In addition, the project addressed capacity building and institutional strengthening, including curriculum enhancement, certification, and on-going professional development and training, to support the physical expansion. With the project approaching completion, CDB is conducting an exit workshop to learn more about the effectiveness of the outcomes from the persons involved in the execution of the project, as well as representatives of those impacted by it. There will be 43 participants. The workshop will evaluate the development and execution of the project with a view to highlighting strengths and weaknesses, as well as identifying strategies and methodologies that can be successfully applied to future projects. It will focus strongly on lessons learnt and the way forward, both in terms of further interaction in the area of TVET with Belize, as well as addressing TVET issues in other CDB Borrowing Member Countries. The opening ceremony for the workshop on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, will form part of the Inauguration Ceremony for the Belize City Institute of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, which was completed under the project. Ms. Deidre Clarendon, Portfolio Manager, Social Sector Division, will speak on behalf of the Bank. The workshop will take place at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina in Belize City on Thursday, March 11, 2010.