Build Belize Inc. Receives Laptop Devices from Northumberland High School

Author: Admin – May 18 2023

 Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - His Excellency Lynn R. Young, Ambassador of Belize to the United States of America & Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States; Mrs. Sandhya Murphy, Ambassador for Diaspora Relations and Chair for Build Belize Inc; and Ms. Cinnamon Bottaro, Minister Counsellor met with Mr. Jay Lightfoot and six students from Northumberland High School in Virginia who generously donated 26 refurbished laptops to Build Belize Inc., a non-profit organization operating in Miami, Florida.

These students are currently participating in the Virginia Star afterschool program, which focuses on refurbishing surplus computer hardware from government agencies and private companies. The state-wide program in Virginia aims to equip students with industry-standard certifications, preparation for higher education, and many other opportunities. Under the guidance of their instructor, Mr. Jay Lightfoot, these students receive over 200 laptops per year, which they disassemble, reassemble, clean up, and install new operating systems and drivers. The afterschool program provides them with valuable hands-on experience, bridging the gap between theory and practical knowledge.

The refurbished computers are donated to various countries, ranging anywhere from Grenada to Nepal. This year, they chose to donate 26 refurbished notebooks to Build Belize Inc. to distribute to children in our Belizean community.

“We are incredibly grateful and honoured that they chose us for this donation. Not only are these students learning valuable skills in the IT field, but they are also learning the importance of giving back and engaging in community service. This fills me with immense pride”, said Ambassador Sandhya Murphy.

During the meeting, there were discussions about the possibility of these students visiting Belize to teach children some of the skills they have acquired, or alternatively, arranging for Belizean students to visit Virginia. Such an exchange program could greatly benefit Belizeans in the IT field. 

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