This was a very competitive year with lots of worthy applications for IFOB's Small Grants Program (19 in all).  The following three projects will receive grants of up to $1000 USD:

1) Arenal Village:

The banks of the Mopan river have eroded considerably due to land clearing around Arenal Village.  The village council will engage community members and school children in environmental education and active restoration and maintenance of new vegetation along the river bank.

2) Lady of Guadalupe School:

The school has a large and successful music program and recently received over $15,000 USD worth of new instruments.  With IFOB funds the school will construct proper storage for their instruments to maximize the life of the instruments and their program.

3) Sarteneja Village:

Sarteneja Fishermen Association in partnership with the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development will conduct an environmental education course for children of fishermen on marine ecology and the sustainable use of fishing resources.  The course will conclude with a hands-on trip to Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve.

International Friends of Belize is committed to improving the education, health, and environment of Belizean communities through educational scholarships and small project grants.