San Ignacio, Cayo -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/08/2011 -- Recently, 13 students from the University of Toronto, escorted by Dr. Richard Lee, professor emeritus and renowned anthropologist, took advantage of the cultural wealth that Belize has to offer. Arranged through the Institute of Sustainable International Studies (ISIS), these students had the opportunity to experience village life on a multi-cultural scale.

The students were from various academic programs, including Aboriginal Studies, Global Health and Culture, and Gender and Equity studies. Facilitated by several of ISIS’ Community Associates, the students learned about Garifuna spirituality, cultural drumming and snorkeling along the world’s largest barrier reef in the coastal village of Hopkins. Mr. Ted McKoy, a local entrepreneur, engaged the students in a discussion on poverty, development, youth concerning Hopkins specifically, while relating the topics to Belize as a whole.

After Hopkins, the students spent four days in the Mayan village of Laguna, hosted by the Toledo Eco-Tourism Association (TEA). The group explored indigenous politics, land rights issues, sustainable agriculture, and gender roles within modern Maya communities. In addition the students learned about cacao farming, how to make corn tortillas from scratch, visited a local animal sanctuary ‘Aquacaliente’ and hiked to Laguna cave.

Mr. Pablo Miis and Mrs. Cristina Choc, both from the village of Laguna and activist in the Maya land rights issue, as well as all the residents of Laguna looked after the students like family. Each day the students were treated to traditional Mayan food and its preparation, discussions on the encroaching modern world on the Mayan culture, and providing assistance to the village primary school.

Miona, a U of T student remarked, “This was the best learning experience I have had in my 4 years of undergraduate studies. I was able to see first-hand a lot of the important issues that I studied in my classes, and was able to apply my knowledge to get a better understanding of the issues affecting indigenous communities in Belize.” Another student, Sitelle, declared, “This is too good to be school!”

For more information visit http://www.ISISBelilze.com, or contact Nancy Adamson at Nadamson@ISISBelize.com.