Liberty Foundation

News

August 2008

Happy 3rd Anniversary to Liberty Children's Home!

On Saturday 23rd August Liberty Children's Home, Belize celebrated it's 3rd year anniversary through the event 'Metamorphosis'. Hundreds of people bought tickets for this celebration and enjoyed a night of art, music, dance, poetry and delicious food and drink! The event was also opened with 3 beautiful songs performed by some of the children from Liberty Children's Home. All proceeds from the night of course went straight towards Liberty Children's Home and Liberty Learning Centre. We would like to say thank you to everyone who contributed towards making the night such a success.

July 2008

NOW OPEN:

Liberty's - a unique boutique charity shop in Farnham Surrey!

Liberty Foundation are delighted to announce the opening of their first shop, Liberty's... read more

July 2008

British 10k runners raise thousands for Liberty....

We would like to say a huge thank you to the brave runners who took to the rainy streets of London to take part in the British 10k London Run on Sunday, 6th July. The team of 7 raised nearly £3000 in sponsorship between them and Liberty are hugely appreciative of their impressive fundraising and running efforts!
read more

May 2008

Liberty’s Garden Project Blooms!

Over the last year Liberty staff have been busy developing a self sustainable Garden Project. Many greenfingers have been at work to produce organic vegetables, flowers, plants and herbs which are now being supplied to a few local establishments including a supermarket, a hotel and an Italian restaurant; as well as being sold lat market plant sales.

The latest plant sale took place on May 9th to celebrate Mother’s Day in Belize and featured over 100 plants and flowers decorated in Liberty labels & pretty pink ribbons. As always the support for Liberty from the local community was out in force! Basil was the most popular plant of the day and helped to raise the fantastic total of $620Bz!

Many of the children also love to help out in the garden which is both emotionally and physically beneficial for them - horticultural therapy is becoming widely recognised for its healing benefits – and it’s simple fun in the sun!

March 2008

Liberty is on the road thanks to the donation of a school bus!

Thanks to Dream Center International, Liberty is now the proud owner of a 65 seater school bus! The Dream Center group’s Pastor, William Craver, came to visit Liberty Children’s Centre and was impressed by the care and love he felt there. He then not only arranged the donation of the bus but also organised a group, equipped with paint and brushes, to come and give the inside of two of the domes a beautiful makeover!

In just a few months the children have been on a number of outings: Belize Zoo, Croc World, horseback riding and swimming to name a few. These trips are essential for the children’s wellbeing – as well as having fun, learning about and seeing more of their country; it also widens their experiences and helps to reduce the damaging effects of institutionalisation.

January 2008

Liberty volunteer’s De-institutionalisation
program to be implemented in Belize.

In 2007 Ms Francesca Lamedica took a sabbatical from her work as a lawyer linguist in Italy to spend 4 months volunteering with Liberty as a child protection consultant. Working alongside UNICEF and the Department of Human Services Francesca has developed a program which focuses on the de-institutionalisation of children in Belize. This program, which aims to reduce the reliance on institutions and develop the foster care program in Belize is to be implemented from April 2008. We would like to thank Francesca for all her dedication and hard work which looks to make such a difference to the future of children in care in Belize.

I enjoyed my work very much and I learnt so much (not last my English has improved – with a slightly Creole accent! ) and all the key actors gave me their support in the design of the project.

And not just work wise was my experience brilliant. I loved the life on campus, living as a big family. When I needed a break from my work I just needed to step out and play with the kids or have a chat with some of the staff. I will carry the kids always in my heart.’

Francesca Lamedica

November 2007

Liberty Children’s Centre welcomes a new Director!

In October 2007 Delfena Mitchell officially became the new Director of Liberty Children’s Centre. Originally from Belize, Delfena has lived and worked extensively in North America, Asia, Europe and the Carribbean. Delfena has the perfect combination of passion, warmth, efficiency and great experience. She has been fully embraced by the children, staff and the community alike and we feel extremely lucky to have her onboard!

August 2007

Summer 2007 marked the 100th anniversary of Montessori education. It was in July 1907 that Maria Montessori opened her school for disadvantaged children in the slums of Rome. To celebrate this anniversary two Montessori schools in London - The Gower School and Paint Pots Montessori School took part in a '100 steps for Montessori walk' and in the process rasied much needed funds for Liberty's Community School. A big thank you to all the children, staff and parents for making the walks such a success!

School websites:
http://www.thegowerschool.co.uk
http://paint-pots.co.uk

July 2007

British 10k runners race through the streets of London to raise thousands of pounds for Liberty

On Sunday 1st July 16 runners took to the drizzling streets of London to complete a 10km road race and in the process raised over £4000 for Liberty Foundation. We would like to say a massive thank you to each runner for all their hard work training, fundraising and completing the race in such fantastic times.

A special mention has to go to Uzo Oleh who still took part despite a knee injury and walked the whole course. Thank you also to everyone who sponsored the Liberty runners and turned up to support them on the day despite the constant threat of torrential rain! Fantastic efforts all around - THANK YOU!

May 2007

Ministry of Education awards Liberty’s
Principal ‘Outstanding Teacher Award’

On Friday, May 18th, Mrs. Dacie Tillet, Principal of Liberty’s Learning Centre, was awarded the ‘Outstanding Teacher Award’ by the Belizean Ministry of Education. This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all the hard work of Mrs Tillet and the staff at Liberty’s Learning Centre. The Liberty team have created an exceptional educational environment for children which is only in its first year but has already made a considerable positive impact on the local community.

April 2007

U.S Military give a big helpinghand
on Liberty campus

At the end of April 2007 an American Military contingent of around 20 soldiers arrived on the Belize campus to help us to build a poultry barn, an important part of Liberty’s efforts to become increasingly self sustainable. After constructing what we believe may be one of the sturdiest hen-houses in the whole of Central America, the soldiers went on to help us build a platform and enclosure for a pool that had recently been generously donated by the local Belizean company Mirab.

This pool is now playing an important role in the daily lives of children suffering from Cerebral Palsy and Brittle bone disease where it offers them a fun and painless way for them to get some much needed exercise. The rest of the residents at Liberty Children’s Centre are also taking advantage of the new pool as a handy place to cool off on the hottest days on campus.

We would like to say a sincere thank you to each and every soldier, all of whom carried out these jobs with great care and dedication whilst showing the highest consideration for the children living and going to school at Liberty Children’s Centre.

March 2007

UK Shadow Foreign Secretary, William Hague,
visits Liberty Children’s Centre

Liberty Foundation were delighted that William Hague chose Liberty Children’s Centre as his first stop during his short visit to Belize in March. The Shadow Foreign Secretary met with the staff, children and the Founder, Marcelle Delahaye, and took time to learn about the background and objectives of Liberty’s programs.

March 2007

The Fiona Stevenson Memorial Fund provides swimming lessons for disadvantaged school
children in Belize

Since lessons began in February 2007 60 pupils from 5 primary schools across Belize City have had the opportunity to learn to swim thanks to the funds raised in memory of Fiona Stevenson, who tragically died in the London bombings on July 7 2005. 9 teachers have also attended water safety classes. At the outset around 75% of the children were scared of the water or had no swimming skills whatsoever and now every single one can float on their front and back, while many are already working in the deep end. Read more



	News August 2008 Happy 3rd Anniversary to Liberty Children's Home! On Saturday 23rd August Liberty Children's Home, Belize celebrated it's 3rd year anniversary through the event 'Metamorphosis'. Hundreds of people bought tickets for this celebration and enjoyed a night of art, music, dance, poetry and delicious food and drink! The event was also opened with 3 beautiful songs performed by some of the children from Liberty Children's Home. All proceeds from the night of course went straight towards Liberty Children's Home and Liberty Learning Centre. We would like to say thank you to everyone who contributed towards making the night such a success. July 2008 NOW OPEN: Liberty's - a unique boutique charity shop in Farnham Surrey! Liberty Foundation are delighted to announce the opening of their first shop, Liberty's... read more July 2008 British 10k runners raise thousands for Liberty.... We would like to say a huge thank you to the brave runners who took to the rainy streets of London to take part in the British 10k London Run on Sunday, 6th July. The team of 7 raised nearly £3000 in sponsorship between them and Liberty are hugely appreciative of their impressive fundraising and running efforts! read more May 2008 Liberty’s Garden Project Blooms! Over the last year Liberty staff have been busy developing a self sustainable Garden Project. Many greenfingers have been at work to produce organic vegetables, flowers, plants and herbs which are now being supplied to a few local establishments including a supermarket, a hotel and an Italian restaurant; as well as being sold lat market plant sales. The latest plant sale took place on May 9th to celebrate Mother’s Day in Belize and featured over 100 plants and flowers decorated in Liberty labels & pretty pink ribbons. As always the support for Liberty from the local community was out in force! Basil was the most popular plant of the day and helped to raise the fantastic total of $620Bz! Many of the children also love to help out in the garden which is both emotionally and physically beneficial for them - horticultural therapy is becoming widely recognised for its healing benefits – and it’s simple fun in the sun! March 2008 Liberty is on the road thanks to the donation of a school bus! Thanks to Dream Center International, Liberty is now the proud owner of a 65 seater school bus! The Dream Center group’s Pastor, William Craver, came to visit Liberty Children’s Centre and was impressed by the care and love he felt there. He then not only arranged the donation of the bus but also organised a group, equipped with paint and brushes, to come and give the inside of two of the domes a beautiful makeover! In just a few months the children have been on a number of outings: Belize Zoo, Croc World, horseback riding and swimming to name a few. These trips are essential for the children’s wellbeing – as well as having fun, learning about and seeing more of their country; it also widens their experiences and helps to reduce the damaging effects of institutionalisation. January 2008 Liberty volunteer’s De-institutionalisation program to be implemented in Belize. In 2007 Ms Francesca Lamedica took a sabbatical from her work as a lawyer linguist in Italy to spend 4 months volunteering with Liberty as a child protection consultant. Working alongside UNICEF and the Department of Human Services Francesca has developed a program which focuses on the de-institutionalisation of children in Belize. This program, which aims to reduce the reliance on institutions and develop the foster care program in Belize is to be implemented from April 2008. We would like to thank Francesca for all her dedication and hard work which looks to make such a difference to the future of children in care in Belize. I enjoyed my work very much and I learnt so much (not last my English has improved – with a slightly Creole accent! ) and all the key actors gave me their support in the design of the project. And not just work wise was my experience brilliant. I loved the life on campus, living as a big family. When I needed a break from my work I just needed to step out and play with the kids or have a chat with some of the staff. I will carry the kids always in my heart.’ *Francesca Lamedica* November 2007 Liberty Children’s Centre welcomes a new Director! In October 2007 Delfena Mitchell officially became the new Director of Liberty Children’s Centre. Originally from Belize, Delfena has lived and worked extensively in North America, Asia, Europe and the Carribbean. Delfena has the perfect combination of passion, warmth, efficiency and great experience. She has been fully embraced by the children, staff and the community alike and we feel extremely lucky to have her onboard! August 2007 Summer 2007 marked the 100th anniversary of Montessori education. It was in July 1907 that Maria Montessori opened her school for disadvantaged children in the slums of Rome. To celebrate this anniversary two Montessori schools in London - The Gower School and Paint Pots Montessori School took part in a '100 steps for Montessori walk' and in the process rasied much needed funds for Liberty's Community School. A big thank you to all the children, staff and parents for making the walks such a success! School websites: http://www.thegowerschool.co.uk http://paint-pots.co.uk July 2007 British 10k runners race through the streets of London to raise thousands of pounds for Liberty On Sunday 1st July 16 runners took to the drizzling streets of London to complete a 10km road race and in the process raised over £4000 for Liberty Foundation. We would like to say a massive thank you to each runner for all their hard work training, fundraising and completing the race in such fantastic times. A special mention has to go to Uzo Oleh who still took part despite a knee injury and walked the whole course. Thank you also to everyone who sponsored the Liberty runners and turned up to support them on the day despite the constant threat of torrential rain! Fantastic efforts all around - THANK YOU! May 2007 Ministry of Education awards Liberty’s Principal ‘Outstanding Teacher Award’ On Friday, May 18th, Mrs. Dacie Tillet, Principal of Liberty’s Learning Centre, was awarded the ‘Outstanding Teacher Award’ by the Belizean Ministry of Education. This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all the hard work of Mrs Tillet and the staff at Liberty’s Learning Centre. The Liberty team have created an exceptional educational environment for children which is only in its first year but has already made a considerable positive impact on the local community. April 2007 U.S Military give a big helpinghand on Liberty campus At the end of April 2007 an American Military contingent of around 20 soldiers arrived on the Belize campus to help us to build a poultry barn, an important part of Liberty’s efforts to become increasingly self sustainable. After constructing what we believe may be one of the sturdiest hen-houses in the whole of Central America, the soldiers went on to help us build a platform and enclosure for a pool that had recently been generously donated by the local Belizean company Mirab. This pool is now playing an important role in the daily lives of children suffering from Cerebral Palsy and Brittle bone disease where it offers them a fun and painless way for them to get some much needed exercise. The rest of the residents at Liberty Children’s Centre are also taking advantage of the new pool as a handy place to cool off on the hottest days on campus. We would like to say a sincere thank you to each and every soldier, all of whom carried out these jobs with great care and dedication whilst showing the highest consideration for the children living and going to school at Liberty Children’s Centre. March 2007 UK Shadow Foreign Secretary, William Hague, visits Liberty Children’s Centre Liberty Foundation were delighted that William Hague chose Liberty Children’s Centre as his first stop during his short visit to Belize in March. The Shadow Foreign Secretary met with the staff, children and the Founder, Marcelle Delahaye, and took time to learn about the background and objectives of Liberty’s programs. March 2007 The Fiona Stevenson Memorial Fund provides swimming lessons for disadvantaged school children in Belize Since lessons began in February 2007 60 pupils from 5 primary schools across Belize City have had the opportunity to learn to swim thanks to the funds raised in memory of Fiona Stevenson, who tragically died in the London bombings on July 7 2005. 9 teachers have also attended water safety classes. At the outset around 75% of the children were scared of the water or had no swimming skills whatsoever and now every single one can float on their front and back, while many are already working in the deep end. Read more	Liberty Foundation are delighted to announce the opening of their first shop, Liberty's... Photos from British 10k London Run 2008... Liberty Childrens Art and more...
Registered charity number: 1105438 © Liberty Foundation 2004. Site designed and maintained by Rocket Renders Ltd.