It’s interesting how one thing can lead to another.

Windsor Central School District leaders said a former Board of Education member built connections with education leaders from Belize in 2022. That led to this week, when education leaders from the Central American nation visited Windsor.

“I had that opportunity to sit with Dr. Andrews, and we talked a little bit about what he is doing out here with his team. And we also shared about some similar things where we're trying to do in Belize. So from that, we offered each other invitations. And now it's materialized for us coming," said Belize Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology Louis Zabaneh.

The group came to learn about the district’s programming and professional learning opportunities. A nationwide effort is currently underway in Belize to help improve the education system, moving away from “memorizing and regurgitating” answers to having opportunities to apply knowledge.

“We've had a number of areas of experience in various methodologies to enable children to become more competent. And so that was really one of the main reasons why we wanted them to come here, share what we've been doing and see what we could learn to take back," Zabaneh said.

“We certainly are very proud of the programs and our outstanding staff. But we also see this as a great opportunity to learn from the delegation in Belize and in just the whole country of Belize as they really undergo this reform initiative nationwide, and really looking at where we can be involved in that and learn alongside them," said Windsor Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jason Andrews.

The Belize leaders hope Windsor’s staff come to visit Belize next.

School staff said the Belize leaders who visited Windsor are the highest-ranking education officials in their country.