By Zoila Palma: November is Rotary Foundation Month, a time to celebrate the power of giving and the extraordinary impact that contributions can make in transforming lives.
For me, Rotary Foundation Month is especially meaningful because I am living proof that Rotary’s investment in education transforms lives.
My name is Zoila Palma. Today, I am a journalist and website administrator with Breaking Belize News and Manager of Palma’s Lumber and Supplies. But before these titles, I was a young girl from Santa Elena, Cayo, whose educational journey was forever impacted by the Rotary Club of San Ignacio.
In 2003, my parents had only recently started Palma’s Lumber and Supplies. It was a small backyard operation, and like many young families building a business, they were working hard to establish themselves.
I had just started First Form at St. Ignatius High School when, during my first week of classes, I was called to the principal’s office. I was informed that I needed to bring my parents to school the following day.
I remember sitting in the principal’s office with my parents when the news was delivered. A representative of Rotary informed us that I had been awarded a four-year high school scholarship based on my Primary School Examination (PSE) results and academic merit.
I will never forget that moment. The first cheque, issued in my name, covered the refund of my first-year school expenses. It was a significant moment for my family and an opportunity that we were incredibly grateful for.
For the next four years, I worked hard, determined to make the Rotary Club of San Ignacio proud and demonstrate that their investment in my education was worthwhile. I also remember attending a breakfast at the San Ignacio Hotel with other scholarship recipients.
In 2007, I proudly graduated as the Valedictorian of St. Ignatius High School. At my commencement exercise, I gave glory to God and expressed my gratitude to my parents and the Rotary Club of San Ignacio for believing in me and supporting my education.
That scholarship did not end with my high school graduation. It helped lay the foundation for the opportunities that followed.
A journey of learning and representing Belize
Over the years, my work in journalism has opened doors to professional development, international exposure and opportunities to engage with media professionals, diplomats and institutions.
Some of these milestones include:
2018
-Became a proud alumna of the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), participating in Building Digital Literacy and Media Responsibility in Democracies in the Digital Age. The experience provided an opportunity to engage with international media professionals and explore the importance of digital literacy, responsible journalism and media accountability in strengthening democracies.
– Participated in a media tour of The Hague, Netherlands, under “From Fear to Facts: Demystifying the ICJ”, exploring the International Court of Justice and its role.
– Participated in the Guatemala leg of the “Demystifying the ICJ” initiative.
2019
– Participated in a Digital Media Press Group exploring Taiwan’s political and economic development.
– Engaged with the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) in Jamaica through professional development on organized crime and corruption reporting.
– Delivered a presentation on “Digital Media for the 21st Century” at Sacred Heart College.
– Covered Decision Day and the ICJ referendum, an important moment in Belize’s national history.
2020
– Participated in the United States Department of State Foreign Press Centers programme, “Elections 2020: A Virtual Reporting Tour of the United States and the American Electoral Process”, gaining insight into the American electoral process.
2021
– Conducted a sit-down interview with then U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Keith Gilges at the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan.
2024
– Was recognized by St. Ignatius High School in its Natius Alumni Spotlight on Success feature.
“Zoila Maria Palma, a beacon of journalistic integrity and community activism from Santa Elena, Cayo, has carved a notable path since her valedictorian graduation from St. Ignatius High School in 2007,” St Ignatius High School wrote.
2025
– Participated in the REVISA programme in Panama, which focuses on combating misinformation, enhancing digital security and strengthening data literacy among journalists across Latin America and the Caribbean.
– Was featured by Special Envoy for Development Rosanna Briceño under the Women and the Media category. The recognition highlighted my work in journalism, commitment to truth and dedication to amplifying voices and informing communities.
Beyond these opportunities, I have been featured during International Women’s Day celebrations, including a 2020 feature by young entrepreneur and photographer Mary Robinson.
Giving back and creating lasting impact
Today, I continue to serve my community through journalism, advocacy and engagement with young people.
When I look back, I think about that young First Former who was called to the principal’s office in 2003. I think about my parents, who were building a small business from their backyard, and the opportunity that changed everything.
I am grateful for the doors that have opened since then, but I have never forgotten where the journey began.
To the Rotary Club of San Ignacio and everyone who contributes to The Rotary Foundation, thank you. Thank you for believing in young people, investing in education and creating opportunities that extend far beyond the initial act of giving.
As we celebrate Rotary Foundation Month, I hope my story reminds us that a scholarship is more than financial assistance. It is an investment in the future of our youths, in their family and in the community they will one day serve.
One opportunity can change a life. And one life, in turn, can make a difference in many others.
The post One Scholarship, A Lifetime of impact: My Rotary story appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: November is Rotary Foundation Month, a time to celebrate the power of giving and the extraordinary impact that contributions can make in transforming lives. For me, Rotary Foundation Month is especially meaningful because I am living proof that Rotary’s investment in education transforms lives. My name is Zoila Palma. Today, I am
The post One Scholarship, A Lifetime of impact: My Rotary story appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.