The Liberty Foundation

The Isa Mundo Foundation made its first trip to the country of Belize in December 2013.  We decided to do a trip based on a recommendation by one of our funders who requested Isa Mundo to visit two organizations in the country.  We have not visited Belize in the past because our research showed that the country has the second highest per capita income in Central America and with a robust tourism industry.  But we were informed by our funder that there is large disparity between rich and poor with 4 out of 10 people living in poverty, making it difficult for some children to have access to education.

One of the organizations we visited is the Liberty Foundation which is located in the town of Ladyville on the outskirts of Belize City.  Liberty was established to provide care and support education of abandoned and abused children in Belize.  We learned that Liberty also assists children with disabilities and special needs, including children with HIV/AIDS.

We were able to visit their school facility which provides education to pre-school children in the local community.  The Liberty Foundation's Director, Agatha Valentine, informed us that the school uses the Montessori educational approach which was originally developed for underprivileged children. There is an opportunity for Isa Mundo to provide additional supplies and technology to this school and we will be assessing how to best support the Liberty Foundation in the coming year.

To learn more about the Liberty Foundation, click on www.libertyfoundation.org.uk

Dr. Jim (Jaime) Boland

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Jim (Jaime) Boland.  Jaime had been one of the biggest fans, strongest supporters and loudest advocates of the Isa Mundo Foundation.

We first met Jaime in Mexico in 2007 and showed us some of the not for profit organizations, charities and communities he was supporting in the Puerto Vallarta area.  He introduced us to the R.I.S.E. organization, the first orphanage we have ever visited for the foundation.  He also opened our eyes to Pasitos de Luz, the day care centre for children with disabilities.  To this day, we continue to work with Pasitos and follow the vision of Jaime on how to best support the organization based on our capacity.

Jaime was a great mentor to Isa Mundo, constantly exposing us to new ideas along with teaching our team how to work with individuals, organizations and communities in Mexico. Most importantly, he preached cultural sensitivity and to be adaptable to different values and ideals.

We will be doing the first project site visit of the year in Mexico on February 2014 and will honour Jaime by visiting the new Pasitos de Luz facility being constructed (also known as Casa Connor). We hope to find a way to partner with the organization and support the work Jaime was doing in improving the lives of less fortunate children in the Puerto Vallarta area.

We will miss our friend and colleague but our time with Jaime was a blessing and he would want us to celebrate and continue the good work he started.