About the Lighthouse Ride

school-Belize

How did we get here?

Understanding the education system in Belize.

Upon Belize’s independence in 1981, the Jesuits surrendered administration duties of the educational system to the Government of Belize (GoB). Today, the GoB pays teacher salaries while the Church funds school buildings, grounds, nutrition programs, and maintenance.

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This deal was made possible because there’s no separation of church and state in Belize. And it seemed like an equitable agreement at the time.

However, the GoB has the benefit of receiving tax money, which goes toward paying teachers. Conversely, the Church has zero access to tax money and thus no financial support to upkeep school infrastructure.

The schools have been deteriorating for the last 40 years as a result.

classroom-children-Belize

MAKE AN IMPACT

Sustaining Catholic Education in Belize, Together

We need your support to sustain Catholic education in Belize. But more than that: We implore you to help us educate these children in safe, welcoming spaces.

Your donation will:

  • Help rebuild the infrastructure of the entire Catholic school system.​
  • Support the longevity of Catholic education in Belize.​
  • Assist in making schools a positive place for students and the community.​
  • Meet the nutritional needs of the students through school lunch programs.
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Baron-Bliss-Lighthouse

Why the Ride?

The origins of the Lighthouse Ride.

Belize City is home to Baron Bliss Lighthouse, a historical structure dating back to the 19th century. The lighthouse in the beautiful country inspired the name, the Lighthouse Ride.

The idea is for Father Matthew Ruhl and other supporters to cycle from Brunswick, ME to Santa Monica, CA starting on July 1, 2025, to raise funds and awareness for the Catholic education system in Belize.

The Lighthouse Ride has already been preceded by Lighthouse Walks. Because funds are needed right now, students, their families, and community members in Belize participated in a series of Lighthouse Walks this past Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2023. The walks were aptly themed, “Fall in Love with Your Catholic School.” Participants walked approximately a 5k to raise money and awareness for the needs of the schools in their country.

These funds, while helpful, are a mere drop in the bucket. So, we carry on with the Lighthouse Ride.

WE NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE

Safeguard the Schools for Thousands of Children

We need the assistance of the larger Catholic community — with many generous devotees of Catholic education — to safeguard the schools for thousands of Belizean children.

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Father-Matt-Belize

Who is Father Matthew Ruhl, S.J.?

Our feet on the ground in Belize.

Fr. Matt has been a Jesuit for 40 years and a pastor for 30. He’s been living in Belize for more than 13 years and is the pastor at St. Peter Claver Parish in Punta Gorda in the Toledo District of the country. Additionally, Fr. Matt is the Chairman of the Bishop’s Commision on Education.

All to say, upholding the Catholic schools in Belize is personal and critical to Fr. Matt. And he has an up close view of the needs of a place he loves.