Project Belize Participants share their Project Belize Stories

James Gargas
Watch James' video: Listen to the inspiring stories from PwC staff who took part in the Teacher Training track in Belize City

Shannon Roak
Watch Shannon's video: Hear form the students in Belize about what they enjoyed most about PwC's financial literacy camp

Alexandra Vu
Watch Alexandra's video: Learn about Katrina's business plan that she developed during PwC's financial literacy camp

• Providing financial and technology training to teachers
  

  Brett Glowacki

  A Transfer Pricing Manager who joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2006 after serving two internships with the firm. Obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the University of Rhode Island in 2006 and an MBA from Villanova University in 2011.

   

  Providing financial and technology training to teachers

  It was pouring rain as the groups assembled from breakfast and lined-up outside to find our assigned buses to take us to our respective schools. The Scholarship and Teacher tracks rode together to ITVET, a vocational school in the middle of the city.

  The day began with introductions where each participant told the group a fun fact about themselves. After introductions, we had the teachers reflect on a few questions, such as what their proudest moment was in teaching and why they wanted to be teachers. Several of them shared their stories and stated that teaching was not an occupation, but a calling which put bright smiles on the children’s faces. This passion for their profession was evident in every discussion they had throughout the day.

  After this, we started our lesson plans—which focused on teaching the teachers the basics around financial literacy. A pair of PwC US firm employees spent 15 minutes introducing each of their respective topics (basic banking, checking / savings accounts, credit, and investments). After lunch, the 31 participants were split into groups and were tasked with developing a student lesson plan for one of the topics. The next two hours were spent debating objectives, assessments, and activities to help students better understand each of the core topics. Although most of the teachers were familiar with the topics, they welcomed our assistance in providing additional clarity and information. We probed them with questions, provided insight into each of the topics and answered any questions. By the end of the day, the excitement had grown significantly and the lesson had appeared to be a success.

• Compounding interest: A technical and emotional tool
  

  Brett Glowacki

  A Transfer Pricing Manager who joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2006 after serving two internships with the firm. Obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the University of Rhode Island in 2006 and an MBA from Villanova University in 2011.

   

  Compounding interest: A technical and emotional tool

  Today started the same as the first day, full of excitement and anticipation. The lessons to the teachers began with a review of the material covered the day prior as well as a quick update from each PwC US employee reiterating the discussions that they had with some of the students. The teachers were surprised to hear that the students were so grounded in their thinking. One teacher remarked that she had received a call from her principal who stated that his only regret from the day prior was that more children did not attend the camps (due to the weather). After this brief session, we broke into six groups, each with one person from each of the lessons developed on Monday. Each teacher presented his or her lesson to the group, as if they were actually teaching a class.

  After lunch, we started today's lessons. The teachers learned how Excel could be used as a tool to help understand and navigate financial concepts. The concept of compound interest seemed new to a few of the teachers and so I took it upon myself to develop a very simple compound interest sheet. Using $1,000 and a three percent interest rate, I showed how money can grow exponentially. I also made sure to link cells so that we could easily manipulate the dollar amount and interest rate to make the example more relatable to kids. Afterward, the group wanted to know if they invested $5,000 today, how much they would have after 35 years. Using Excel we should the group the power of compounding and they were amazed at the value the tool could bring to help them understand compounding.

  The day felt fulfilling as many of the teachers showed both excitement and appreciation. They told us that they now understood the importance of financial literacy and had a better grasp on how to deliver it in the classroom. The acknowledgment that we helped them to better understand a concept that could potentially change the lives of their students and maybe their own lives was certainly an enjoyable experience.

• Looking Back on Project Belize
  

  Brett Glowacki

  A Transfer Pricing Manager who joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2006 after serving two internships with the firm. Obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the University of Rhode Island in 2006 and an MBA from Villanova University in 2011.

   

  Looking Back on Project Belize

  My experience with Project Belize was a whirlwind. From our arrival on Sunday through our departure on Thursday morning, you could see that everyone was exhausted, but smiles were never lacking. After talking with various interns, I realized that people were more sad to leave than I had originally thought - and not just because Belize is an interesting country, but because people felt that they had made a connection with someone, whether it be with the kids we taught, the teachers we helped or the teams in which we worked to make the project a success. You can go through all the ropes courses you want, but nothing bonds people better and fosters a sense of teamwork than having a meaningful and emotional experience. I can say without a doubt that everyone that attended Project Belize had an experience that they will never forget. It was great fun, it was tough work, but it was the least we could do. I think that we were all humbled by the experience and wish that we could do more. I am very proud to work for a firm that takes its corporate responsibility so seriously.

• Arriving in Belize
  

  Rachel Smith

  An Intern in Tax with the Financial Services group in Milwaukee, WI, and recent graduate from Marquette University earning a BS degree with majors in Accounting and Spanish for Business Professionals.

   

  Arriving in Belize

  On first sight of the application email to Project Belize, I jumped at the chance to serve abroad. As I quickly glanced through the document, the words "community service," "corporate responsibility," and "international" stood out to me. These were all things that interested me, and as a Spanish double major who loves to travel, I filled out the application as soon as possible.

  From the pictures on the PwC US firm's website, I thought we would be renovating schools or building playgrounds, similar to the other mission trips I had been on. As I found out more about the project, I was excited to learn that we would be leading financial literacy camps. I was even more excited for a couple reasons. First, I was unsure about how I would be able to continue my interest in service working at a public accounting firm. What a perfect opportunity to use my skill set to make a difference in the lives of others. Second, I believe education is an important key to development and success. How wonderful to reach out to youth in Belize. I like that we're here to share experiences and knowledge among one another so that we all may walk away better people. The ideas and feelings that will be shared can last a lifetime and then also shared with others.

  Even though I had read the orientation material, I wasn't exactly sure what would happen when I arrived. Not only did I feel completely welcome in Belize, but I also felt inspired. At the opening ceremony, St. Luke's choir and thirteen-year-old soloist, Shawn Saldano , greeted us in energetic song. They proudly sang the national anthems of Belize, "Welcome to Belize," and "Beautiful Belize." Not only were their voices and harmonies beautifully blended, but the enthusiasm and pride that came from these young people were impressive. During the ceremony, there were many remarks of thanks, welcome, and friendship. I could perceive the relationships that had been built over the last several years through this project. How powerful to see people come together to help others and come away with new, lasting friendships.

  So as we embark on the first day of camp, I'm excited to meet the students with whom we will share the next three days! I'm hopeful, inspired, and eager to learn from them.

• Teaching students the basics of banking
  

  Rachel Smith

  An Intern in Tax with the Financial Services group in Milwaukee, WI, and recent graduate from Marquette University earning a BS degree with majors in Accounting and Spanish for Business Professionals.

   

  Teaching students the basics of banking

  Day Two = Success! I was assigned to the Scholarship Mentoring Track where 39 Belizean students were matched with 15 PwC US firm representatives to explore careers and financial literacy. I am especially excited to work with these students because they have already demonstrated an interest in school and achieving more for themselves. I think it is great that the PwC US firm has committed to these children, because they are the future of Belize.

  For most of the activities, we broke up into smaller groups to facilitate discussion. In these small groups, I got to know my students, Keeden, Cambriel, Chelsea, and Christian, much better. After initial introductions, the students interviewed the PwC US team about their jobs, the education requirements and how they work in teams.

  At first, the students were timid, but by lunch they had warmed up to us and asked all kinds of questions. Some activities we worked with them on include how to manage money, manage a credit card, and create a budget. Discussing credit cards, in particular, was actually quite exciting because it was the first time they eagerly stepped up to participate and I was impressed by how much they knew already.

  This experience is already life changing. The PwC US firm's corporate responsibility goals of building relationships and leaving a lasting impression are exactly in line with my personal and professional goals. We are not giving a hand out, but enhancing a community and teaching transferrable, lifelong skills.

• Reflections on Project Belize
  

  Rachel Smith

  An Intern in Tax with the Financial Services group in Milwaukee, WI, and recent graduate from Marquette University earning a BS degree with majors in Accounting and Spanish for Business Professionals.

   

  Reflections on Project Belize

  Back at my desk in Milwaukee, I took some time to reflect on the past week in Belize. I think the kids on the Scholarship Track really understood and appreciated the lessons about budgeting, university, scholarships and credit. I feel good about the work that we did and the impression that we made on the community. Education is a gift that can be multiplied, so I hope that the knowledge and awareness we shared will spread through schools and families across the country.

  I think it is incredible that PwC US invested in another global community by sending 200 partners, principals and staff - including 100 interns who had only been with the firm for a mere four weeks - to Belize. Since there were a large number of PwC US interns this summer, I feel very fortunate to have been selected to participate in Project Belize, especially on the Scholarship Track.

  Since the PwC US group was divided into so many different smaller groups for teaching, debriefing, dinners and recording, we were able to meet many new people. I am impressed how quickly and genuinely the various groups from all over the country bonded. The friendliness and respect exhibited by everyone is a tribute to the firm. A member of the planning team accurately said that on this project, “hierarchy goes out the window and we come together to do the best job possible.”

  In our final debrief, one of the discussions focused on thoughts or ideas that PwC US staff would take back to their respective offices. Some people shared that they would make commitments to serve in their own communities or raise awareness. In college, I often wondered how I could continue helping others as an accountant, while many of my friends were joining the Peace Corps or similar organizations. It brings me joy to have found a way to use my talents and skills to serve the world. Whether it was intended or not, I think this project reminded us all how important it is to give back in our own communities. We encouraged the students, but they encouraged us back to continue serving and giving our time. Thank you to all of the PwC US staff, planning team members, Peacework, the Ministry of Education in Belize and, most importantly, the Belizean students for making Project Belize an unbelievably successful experience that I will never forget.