By Aaron Humes: The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology (MoECST) is responding to concerns about the potential closure of the American Northwest University School of Medicine, based in Belmopan, which followed the expiration of its charter in June 2024. The charter was not renewed due to the institution’s failure to meet the required terms and conditions.
The Ministry said it is aware of the concerns of approximately 25 Belizean students who are affected by the closure and are facing potential disruption to their medical education. The Ministry has begun working directly with these students to provide guidance and explore options for continuing their studies with minimal disruption.
Education Minister Francis Fonseca told reporters today that “we have to be concerned because there are allegations, let me say, allegations that there are things happening at some of these institutions that we need to look into; so that is being done, I have directed the Ministry of Education to sit down with these people to look at what is taking place, to ensure that all our questions and concerns are being addressed…” He added that a team is in place including representatives from the Ministries of Immigration, Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs.
Fonseca added that in the case of Belizean students, “these schools were really not set up for Belizeans, so I don’t know when Belizeans started attending these schools, on whose advice they started attending these schools; we certainly provide no support to students attending these schools and that is a policy of the Ministry of Education.” The Ministry has a duty and responsibility to address issues dealing with any breach of the charters of these foreign-based schools.
Discussions have been initiated with the University of Belize (UB), which operates a medical school, to facilitate a seamless transition for affected students who wish to continue their studies. The ministry is committed to supporting the students and ensuring continuity of education.
“The Ministry assures students and their families that all reasonable efforts will be made to support continuity of education,” the statement reads. The government is prepared to consider supporting certain financial obligations associated with the transition arrangements, subject to established procedures and approvals.
Reports suggest that a school leader was recently indicted in the U.S. on fraud charges in the millions of dollars.
The post Ministry of Education addresses potential closure of American Northwest University School of Medicine appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology (MoECST) is responding to concerns about the potential closure of the American Northwest University School of Medicine, based in Belmopan, which followed the expiration of its charter in June 2024. The charter was not renewed due to the institution’s failure to meet the required
The post Ministry of Education addresses potential closure of American Northwest University School of Medicine appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
