Blue Teddy Bear Campaign launches teacher training to strengthen Child Protection in Belize

By Zoila Palma: The Blue Teddy Bear Campaign has launched Phase II of its national child protection initiative, expanding its efforts to equip teachers, parents, and students with the knowledge and skills needed to create safer environments for children across Belize. The new phase officially began today with teacher training sessions aimed at strengthening child safeguarding practices in schools.

The latest training brought together 22 educators from Wesley College, Excelsior High School, and Gwen Lizarraga High School. It followed an earlier session involving 60 teachers from Maud Williams High School, Anglican Cathedral College, and Sadie Vernon Technical High School. With the support of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology, a total of 82 teachers will receive training during this phase of the campaign.

Teachers are among the most influential adults in a child’s life and often serve as the first line of defense for vulnerable children. As mandatory reporters under Belize’s child protection framework, educators play a vital role in identifying signs of abuse, taking appropriate action, and ensuring children receive the protection and support they need.

The training focuses on child protection principles, safeguarding measures, recognizing indicators of abuse, reporting obligations, and practical approaches to supporting children who may be at risk. Organizers said strengthening educators’ understanding of these areas will help ensure schools remain safe spaces where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

The Blue Teddy Bear Campaign is a partnership between the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC), UNICEF Belize, the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, and the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children. Since its launch, the campaign has promoted awareness and action to eliminate violence, abuse, and exploitation of children. Phase II builds on those efforts by focusing on adults and institutions that play a central role in children’s daily lives, reinforcing the message that protecting children is a shared national responsibility.

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