September is our month of celebrations – from the 10th to National Service Day to Independence Day- we Belizeans celebrate all month. This month, though, I have even more to be happy about – no, scratch that- even more to be very grateful for.
Belize’s First Certified ParaPros
This month, Autism Belize first cohort of Paraprofessionals received their certifications. Thirty two parents, students, caregivers, teachers, and those looking to get into the field successfully passed our course! Many are now excited to go work with our special needs kiddos, teens and young adults. This was a first for Belize and was months in the making. With the generous support of Axiory, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology and then the Ministry of Human Development, Families and Indigenous People, the Hub Community Center and the Gateway Center, we pulled it off! Even better, there’s so much interest and demand for this course in the other districts that I know we’ll be busy for months to come.
Not Too Distant Possibilities
Then last week, I was invited to Chicago to tour centers, therapeutic preschools, and a foundation to discuss more about how they can work with us to help families in Belize. By the end of the trip, I was green with envy at all the wonderful places I’d seen and amazed by the talented and dedicated personnel I’d met. I’m so grateful to have gotten to visit, but even better, I’m excited at the future possibilities.
Personally
On a more personal note, I won a COVID-19 Heroes Award! Surprised?! Well, so was I! I was awkward and weird and I didn’t even know how to respond or what to say. Not to be modest, because if you know me, you know, I’m really NOT, but seriously, me? It was absolutely a shock. I still don’t know who nominated me. Honestly though, I am so honored to have received it – especially next to so many other amazing persons who also got their medals and proclamations. It was especially great that Mrs. Briceño, the Special Envoy for families and children was there to help give out the medals too. She’s been such a huge support for Autism Belize that her presence just added to an already amazing night. Thanks to all who nominated me. Really.
The King
And of course, not only is this Independence month- but it’s also Mateo’s birthday month. This year for his birthday, he received HUNDREDS – literally, hundreds of birthday messages! It’s kinda crazy to see because I can remember birthday parties that I’d organize and only 2 kids would show up. Now (while we can’t have parties – thanks a LOT COVID ;() so many friends and family from all over send him birthday greetings and wish him all the best. Teo has friends that take him on road trips, and cousins that come hang out with him for movie night, and aunts that make him bread and cookies on the regular. My kid is loved and if that isn’t the best kind of birthday present- I don’t know what is. He’s a happy, happy young man as he should be with all this love and attention!
Best of Friends
Then there are my numerous friends. Those who stay my friends even though I suck at following up with messages and rarely call and even more rarely go out. There are my Autism Belize parents who check in on me and offer to help where they can. Then there are our new Autism Belize Facilitators who have gone above and beyond to help make our ParaPro Course such a success. Elia, Marisel and Shantell worked super hard at planning activities and preparing and supporting our participants. Ms. Patty came in almost every Saturday from Belmopan – first to observe as she knew she’d be running the next course, but then she kept coming just to help where she could. I’m truly humbled by the network Mateo and I have.
Get Pebbled
And my friends? Well some have been around since kinder. My friend, Jo, I’ve known her for what seems like my entire life. We were in the same class from Infant 1 and then went to high school together. Jo is an amazing artist and mom and when she listened to what we were doing at Autism Belize, she decided to help. A Caye Caulker girl at heart, she handcrafted these unique bracelets, Pebbled, with grains of sand from Caye Caulker and donated them to Autism Belize.
We named these bracelets Pebbled because not only are no two the same, just like our autistic kiddos and pebbles, but also, because no matter how the tide tries to wear and shape a pebble, it stays strong. No matter how society tries to force our kiddos to fit, they stay strong.
We are selling Pebbled for $25.00 Belize. All proceeds will go to our programs and initiatives. Please click the image below for further details.
