Socio-Economic Outreach

Bordered by Guatemala, Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea, Belize belongs to both Central America and the Caribbean Community. Belize has a population of 301,300 people; about one-third of its population lives in Belize City, the old capital. Of the six Districts of Belize, Toledo District is the most southern with a population of 26,800 people in forty-seven villages and one town. Most of the population is indigenous Mayan. Other major Ethnic groups include the Garifuna, Creole, Mestizo, East Indian and Mennonites.

The most recent poverty assessment revealed that Toledo is the poorest district in Belize. The following are findings of the Poverty Assessment Report 2002 as published by the Government of Belize:

1. Poor population – 79.0%
2. Over 81% of Toledo’s population is concentrated in the rural areas, far more than any other District in Belize.
3. The total fertility rate is 5.6%, the highest compared to any other district.
4. One out of every two people in the Toledo District is unable to meet the basic food requirements.
5. Immunization coverage in Toledo District is lower than the national rates.

St. Peter Claver Parish is the home of the Ministry of Socio-Economic Outreach. St. Peter Claver Parish serves pastoral needs, and is responsible for the urban and rural Catholic primary schools. Over the past years, especially since Hurricane Iris destroyed wide parts of the Toledo District in 2001, more and more requests for help were brought to the attention of St. Peter Claver Parish. Insight grew that a project should be started which would improve the social and economic situation of the people through the provision of training, resources, and opportunities; hence, facilitating the development of self-help, self-reliance and sustainable living. Our ministry works throughout the southernmost District of Belize, the Toledo District.