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Belize2020, School of Education Formalize Partnership with Historic MOU

Belize2020 and Saint Louis University’s School of Education took an important step forward in their long-standing collaboration by signing a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Nov. 10. The agreement outlines shared expectations, strategic priorities, and ongoing support for joint initiatives that advance the Jesuit mission in Belize.

The signing celebration grew directly out of the Summit@SLU 2.0 convened in June.

Bryan Sokol, Ph.D., professor in the School of Education and a key organizer of the summit through SLU’s Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education, noted that the MOU emerged as a clear priority from the work groups leading up to the event.

“Everyone is very excited to take this important step,” Sokol said. “A formal partnership with the School of Education goes a long way toward ensuring Belize2020’s continued success in supporting the Jesuit mission in Belize.”

Strengthening a Mission-Driven Community

Several founding members of Belize2020 joined the summit and affirmed the importance of formalizing the partnership.

“We bring out the better side of one another," said Tom Nolan. "The relationships are a big part of Belize2020. There will inevitably be more structure and that’s fine — that means it will continue. But there’s also a nice character to it: Good people who are friends trying to do good things with one another.”

“Belize2020 is good friendships that have developed over the years," said Roxy Encalada, new principal of St. Martin de Porres School in Belize City. "It feels special and it feels beautiful. God wants us to share love with the world, especially with the people that want to work with our children in Belize, and with everyone who is part of the Jesuit schools.”

What the MOU Commits To

Under the agreement, the SLU School of Education will:

These commitments strengthen Belize2020’s mission of spiritual enrichment and educational support across Jesuit ministries.

“This is the gift that I give myself, because this really is faith in action," said Marie Kenyon, director of the Archdiocese of St. Louis’ Office of Peace and Justice. "This is the real deal. This is the work of the Church. This is what the Church should be doing.”

Looking Ahead

Dale Auffenberg, co-chair of Belize2020, said he hoped that the new agreement will catalyze even broader impact.

“My hope is that we can — like a pebble dropped in water — keep widening our circles, both here and in Belize," Auffenberg said. "Because together, we can accomplish so much.”

The signing of the MOU marks a renewed chapter of partnership rooted in friendship, mission, and a shared commitment to serving communities in Belize and beyond.