Counterpoint: COBEC – Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily the views of Breaking Belize News:

By Wesley Hickey – Dean, University of Texas Tyler College of Education and Psychology; Chair, Teachers for a Better Belize:

The article on February 7, 2022 by Dr. Dorian Barrow, Dean of Education at Galen University, briefly discussed the partnerships between the Consortium for Belize Educational Cooperation (COBEC) and Belize tertiary institutions.  Dr. Barrow makes some assertions that deserve greater discussion among COBEC members regarding the need to extend the mission, but he has failed to recognize the breadth and depth of the relationship that has existed with the organization for the past 34 years. COBEC has been more than a pathway for in-state tuition for U.S. degrees, and this is evident in the following snapshot of contributions.

COBEC has …

• Validated educational quality in Belize by accepting tertiary-level courses in US universities. This allowed Belize scholars to matriculate into junior-level degree programs thereby graduating in two years rather than four years as previously recommended by evaluation agencies.
• Provided in-state tuition opportunities in COBEC institutions thereby costing the Belize scholars 2/3 less in tuition. This allowed more Belizeans to be able to afford degrees.
• Provided librarians to help set up libraries in UCB and UB.
• Sent technical equipment and books for tertiary-level institutions.
• Provided professional development seminars and workshops for teachers and administrators.
• Provided in-country degree programs for teachers and administrators.
• Provided on-demand technical assistance to ATLIB.
• Facilitated faculty exchange programs.
• Facilitated Study Abroad Programs.
• Conducted accreditation workshops.
• Conducted workshops for grant development, research and information retrieval techniques.
• Provided scholarships and fellowships.
• Conducted biannual conferences in the U.S. and Belize.

COBEC continues to be involved in many of these activities, and the work to provide support in developing a culture of research within Belize is emerging. The scope of the partnerships that COBEC provides has impacted professionals throughout the government, including positions that are not directly related to education. 

Although COBEC has increased the number of teachers and administrators with degrees, thereby improving the quality of education in Belize, COBEC has also paved the way for Belize scholars to be accepted by prestigious universities in disciplines other than education.  For example, the University of North Florida currently has 20 undergraduate students in Belize getting in degrees in fields that range from business to engineering. 

Dr. Barrow’s assertion that COBEC’s mission should change is misguided.  The opportunities lost would limit the growth of professional capacity in both countries, as U.S. partners benefit greatly from the partnership, as well.  However, COBEC is at a place where it could extend its mission to other priorities related to tertiary education and the building of capacity, including those related to research.

In addition, as higher education institutions in Belize grow and develop new programs and seek accreditations, COBEC with its wide-ranging collegial network could offer limitless educational resources for meeting those challenges. Some examples: consultation for the addition of new programs; information on Best Practices in instruction; and curriculum guidance and professional development for faculty with the addition of new professional programs, such as Medicine and Law.

Contrary to Dr. Barrow’s position, COBEC should be seen as the well-established, high-impact, dedicated partner continuing to work with Belizean educators to meet its challenges for the future of higher education. 

Wes Hickey, U.S. Co-Chair

Hugo Gonzalez, Belize Co-Chair

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