Caledonia Village (Corozal District)

Parent

Arasely & Carlos Ico

Children

· Dylan- 10 years old (boy)

· Delene- 5 years old (girl)

· Davoni- 1 years old (girl)

Two of the children attend R.C. School in Caledonia.

Living Situation

The family lives in the new part of Caledonia Village in a far back lot. Their home is a 15x15 stick house with a thatch roof. The son rides his weathered bicycle 30+ minutes every morning early to reach the breakfast program before school. We were informed that even with this ride every morning, that the kids never miss a day of school. The mother rides the daughter to school on the other bicycle.

Their situation is very simple:

· No electricity

· They dug their own well for water

· The children currently sleep on the floor

Income

Husbands works as sugar cane cutters.

· Average pay: about $150(BZD) per week when work is available

· Cane cutting is usually seasonal-about 6 months per year

· Last year there was only 4 months of work

Immediate Needs

When asked what they need most, the family shared:

· Beds for the children

· A small stove with gas tank

The mom wasn’t sure what to ask for. She said anything would help.

Summary

The household depends on seasonal sugar cane cutting for income, which is limited and uncertain. Despite the circumstances and the travel distance, the parents make sure their children are in school.

With a little help, this family could gain some basic comforts and stability.

How you can help

One simple way to make an immediate difference for this family is by providing a bunkbed for the children.

Build a Bunk Bed – $630 USD

This bunk bed kit includes:
• A handmade wooden bunkbed, built by a Belizean employee
• Two twin mattresses
• Twin bed sheets
• Two pillows

This provides a safe and comfortable place for the children to sleep instead of sleeping on the floor.