Living in Carmelita Gardens means being part of the greater community of Santa Familia. This small Belizean village embodies the nation’s hardworking, joyful spirit, where people strive for financial stability and family well-being. While impoverished by first-world standards, these welcoming Belizeans fully embrace life, always ready with a smile and a helping hand for their neighbors.
Several residents of Carmelita Gardens have stepped into the community in an effort to raise the quality of life for children and adults alike. Teaching art, music, crocheting, and sewing has created lifelong friendships and provided opportunities to share ideas, experiences, and skills.
lades Sewing
Music Class
Safety Class
Santa FamiliaNeighborhood Watch
Through the efforts of volunteers, primary school children are given the chance to try their hand at things they might not be exposed to otherwise. Art and music classes unearthed several gifted students, while others simply enjoy the creative process. Helping in classrooms or after-school programs provides twofold benefits. The children enjoy new experiences while the volunteers find satisfaction in knowing they are helping make the world a better place. A regular volunteer shared, “I love seeing their faces light up when they see me and these kids give the best hugs!”
Happy Hugs
Happy Hugs
The Aim High Teens for Life class helps teen girls explore their dreams. It offers hands-on experiences in areas like baking, healthcare, sewing, jewelry making, and computer skills. Many girls aged 13-19 are left behind in their education due to family dynamics and financial constraints. Providing them the opportunity to develop new abilities enables them to see the possibility of a brighter future. “There’s no amount of money that can measure the reward of watching them grow into confident young women.”
We all know mastering an unfamiliar skill as an adult is challenging, but the ladies of the village have taken on learning to sew with eagerness. From unsure beginnings in pattern cutting, they now confidently sell their creations to their friends and neighbors. Thanks to donations of fabric, sewing machines, and supplies, these ladies started a cooperative called Santa Familia Sewing Sisters. They are not only gaining expertise in sewing, but they are learning what it takes to run a business. “Being a part of this circle of women has allowed me to become a contributing part of this wonderful fellowship and I’ve gained some lovely friends,” said one volunteer.
Volunteering opportunities abound, such as animal rescue, neighborhood watch, teaching IT or auto mechanics, and wildlife or forest conservation. No matter where your interests lie, when you become part of Carmelita Gardens and the greater Santa Familia community, you’ll find lots of ways to give back.
Does it require time and dedication? Yes, but the rewards far outweigh the costs. Living in paradise and making a positive impact is a blessing like no other.
