A land of diverse cultures and a multi-colored population, the people of Belize are those of a society made up of every racial and ethnic group imaginable: dark and light and each shade in between, beauty cast from African, American Indian, Chinese, Arab, Caucasian and East Indian. Belize's majority ethnic group consists of Creoles, originally from Africa, many by way of other Caribbean island nations, and many also with the blood strains of Belize's early settlers from Europe. This group gives Belize its unique quality of friendship, warmth and wisdom and also its independence of both body and spirit. Regrettably, a large number of its inhabitants are very poor and get very little of the educational benefits afforded the more developed countries of the world. Still - Belize represents a refreshing example of homogeneous living.

It is in Belize that Café (Computer Access For Everyone), a program I started with the help of a grant from Rotary International in 2000, would choose as its 2003 computer project. Rotarians from Minnesota collected 50 Pentium II or better PC’s from individuals and a variety of organizations throughout the state. In early September of that year the computers were shipped to Belize City. Prior to shipment the PC’s were all refurbished. When done the processors all had the Windows/98 operation system and application programs necessary for computer studies in schools where they would be distributed.

In early October of 2003, I, along with a friend, traveled to Belize, met with members of the Rotary Club of St. Ignacio to form a plan to satisfy the needs of High Schools and other learning institutions throughout the area.

A short walk across a suspended bridge hovering over the Belize River you will find the campus of the ‘River of Life’ ministry. Thanks to the generosity of the peoples of this ministry in central Belize, My friend and I were graciously hosted by Pastor Ernie Aldridge, his wife Martha and the “River of Life” staff. Comfortable quarters were provided for us and many wonderful meals were shared. Pastor Ernie kindly transported the us to many of the schools in need of computers.

The following week the computers were in the hands of the Rotary Club of St. Ignacio. The PC’s were checked by Rotarians, the River of Life Staff and students from the Baptist High School and then distributed to their final destinations.

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The bridge to the River of Life mission where the Cafe team was hosted.

The Prime Minister of Belize visits a school served by Cafe.

Students help set up PC's for classes.

The Cafe Team Doug and Andy