TESTIMONIALS FOR GATE

“After having taught for three years here and operating a feeding program for the three years I have seen where it helps. One the days when the children eat lunch at school you can see in their performance and behavior that there is more energy in them. Their attention span in class lengthens, and they are more eager to participate in school and the activities being done. These children really look forward to the days when they will eat at school. This community is a Maya one and their diet consists mainly of corn, beans, and sometimes meat; the children are lacking of many of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from other foods…Another aspect of the feeding program that works very well is that it is accompanied by a school garden in which all students are part of the planting and reaping of vegetables. These go to the kitchen and are used in the preparation of meals for the children. Children also learn from this as many have started their own garden at home. I know that a feeding program that provides meals for the children at school especially in these communities is important because it not only provides needed meals but also education, training and a means of a livelihood later on.” - Transito Romero, teacher at Laguna School

“San Jose RC School is located 31 miles southwest of the main town Punta Gorda. The community survives on subsistence farming. Since the inception of a feeding program for school children in 1999, there has been a dramatic improvement in lives of young children, and children who live far now enjoy the warm food offered to them three times a week. Educational gardening under the school feeding program proves a worthwhile experience. Children who leave school and even the community as a whole have their own backyard gardens as the school continues to be the role model. At this time fruit trees have begun to bear and children are getting the benefit, for example when bunches of bananas are harvested. We can see the value of having a garden controlled by children and staff. But without the immediate assistance of Plenty International, coordinated by Mark Miller in providing the tools and technical assistance the gardening and feeding program would not be a reality. Thanks to the organization.”
-  Madonio Cal, Principal at San Jose RC School

“The Agriculture Department Toledo makes it known that it has been collaborating with Plenty Belize for over two years in the Toledo District. Plenty Belize’s school garden project is widely acclaimed and has contributed significantly to the student environment and good nutrition awareness. Wherever Plenty has undertaken a project the level of community (especially parents) involvement has been noteworthy. This is the first of its kind. This organizations organic approach ensures the health aspect of participating children in a holistic way while at the same time offering solutions to sustainable, environmentally safe farming systems and cultural practices. The interest demonstrated by the school children indicates a secure future for Belize’s agricultural sector. Any organization that assists Plenty is in effect assisting the indigenous people of Southern Belize where poverty is historically rampant.” - Statement by Toledo District Department of Agriculture

“I have interacted with persons from Plenty Belize for over five years. To my knowledge, Plenty is a relevant non-governmental organization in the Toledo District. It has implemented several projects ranging from appropriate technology (solar power) food and nutrition and traditional birth attendance. More recently I have worked with Mr. Mark Miller on the preparation of the School Garden and Nutrition program… Children in Toledo are eating better in several of the schools, thanks to the School Feeding Program…It is without a doubt that this organization has done its share in enhancing positive changes, using what we already have to achieve a better quality product directly imputing our children and the communities in general.” - Dr. Ludwig Palacio, General Manager, Toledo Development Corporation

“San Felipe Government School has an enrollment of 97 students. Our school also accommodates children of pre-school age… In 2004 our school joined in with other schools in implementing a school feeding program and a school garden. Since the start of the program we have seen great changes in the academic performances of children. We have also observed behavior changes in having a positive attitude about school. The level of absenteeism has decreased. This program really has had a positive impact on the lives of our children in this small community. We need to express great thanks to Mr. Mark Miller who through the help of Plenty International has been very instrumental in working with teachers, students and parents in this endeavor…Needed assistance given to this school is a way to help in alleviation of poverty in the Toledo District.”
- Mrs. Joan Palma, Principal, San Felipe School