How UNM helps those in need. 

    Each year since UNM students first started to go to Belize, the students in our Tropical Biology class have generously donated books, school supplies, sporting goods, and money to the Sittee River Village Primary Education School. This tradition of community service began after the first trip, when student Ken Barber and a friend went door-to-door in New York City asking for donations. Every year the students and professors in Bio 461L collect and hand carry new and used books, along with other school supplies, to the village during their spring break trip to Belize.  

    For students to attend secondary education (equivalent to middle school and high school), they must be bused from Sittee River Village to Dangriga (aprox. 60 miles north) each day. This is an extremely expensive process that most families cannot afford. Paul and Mary Shave, owners of Possum Point and Wee Wee Caye Biological Field Stations, have set up a scholarship fund for in-need children. Thanks to this program, numerous underprivileged children have been given the opportunity to further their education.

You can help, too.

    If you would like more information about how you can help, or if you would like to make a donation, please contact the instructors of the course, Dr. Don Duszynski, Dr. Tim Lowrey, and or Paul and Mary Shave.