Project Belize



Developing responsible leaders:
A journal and a journey


Acting responsibly is a critical part of what it takes to be a leader. To encourage and enable our people to develop as responsible leaders, PricewaterhouseCoopers created a new international internship experience in Belize from June 28 through July 3, 2008.

This unique opportunity allowed a selective list of 100 interns, 17 high-performing staff and four partners to experience the impact that one person can have in the life of a child, and the dramatic impact that a team of people can have on the lives of others. The project involved refurbishing four schools and building a Leadership Development Center, which includes a new library and a computer lab.

The following stories, quotes and photos provide insight into the thoughts and feelings that our participants shared in an internal blog while in Belize. Not only has this experience broadened our people’s perspectives and allowed them to demonstrate responsible leadership skills, but has also given the children in Belize a brighter future.

...and the results are in.

On developing future leaders


R. Luke Schafer
Everyone here is a leader. I believe that Project Belize is helping me learn how to follow just as much as it is helping me learn how to lead.      Read all comments»

Kristin Benton
I am working with people from around the U.S. that I have never met before, so learning to quickly accept others is key.

Amanda Carr
I have a chance to create lessons that teach others how to lead.

Whitney Goodson
This morning I volunteered to be a liason b/w my team and Jeff, our academic coordinator. I'm excited to help lead my team in this way and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Mary Morgan
Everything we've done has been in groups, and everyone has been really great about sharing leadership roles. For example, each person in my group is going to facilitate a one hour academic session.

Nikhil Arora
It's been awesome getting to meet so many new people, and due to the work/environment bond so quickly with them. In terms of leadership, nothing's more important than being able to relate to all types of people, even in the most intense of moments - and that is exactly what we are doing here in Belize.Q.2. How would you describe the impact that the PwC team is having on the Belize community?Making a difference

Zak Stern
I would describe it as meaningful and visible. The whole city knows we are here and we want to make an impact that is sustainable.

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On making a difference


Josh Blixt
Our school is sadly used as a dumping ground for the surrounding neighborhoods' trash. After a day of working through the sun and rain, we started making real progress. They wave to us when we drive by. I can sense a true level of excitement among the community. Also, the fact that the Minister of Education in Belize came to speak to us shows how much it means to them.       Read all comments»

Alicia Davis
I think we are already having a positive impact on the community. The people at the schools were so happy that we were there and were so eager to help us.

Krystle Da Silva
The PwC team is taking its first steps toward creating a very powerful and lasting impact on the Belize community. The team has realized that the education system is at the root of many of Belize's social problems and is making a difference by starting with some smaller changes in a few schools with the hope that this will in turn produce bigger results.

Rohit Kappera
[It] shows that somebody outside Belize cares about the livelihood of this beautiful country.

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On the impact on the children


Whitney Goodson
One child, David (4 yrs old) helped us set up the classrooms all afternoon. He was helping carry desks, chairs and anything else he could find. He was so small, but his determination to help us was huge!      Read all comments»

Amanda Rumpf
When picking up trash that their neighbors of the school had thrown into the yard, I met a girl named Laina. At first she was extremely shy, but once I opened up to her she started to open up to me telling me things about her personal life.

Josh Blixt
While we were picking up trash, these two little girls peeked over the wall to watch what we were doing for hours. They played music, talked to us, and were excited to have their pictures taken. We worked and got to know them as they got to know us. If the children are as interested tomorrow as they were today, it's going to be a great week.

Nicki Leigh Leeds
As a manager at PwC, it is amazing to watch the interns dedicate themselves to these activities. Whether it is working on the curriculum or beautifying the schools - they are using their knowledge, but are investing their hearts into these projects.

R. Luke Schafer
I have a chance to make an impact in the lives of children from another country. I could literally change somebody's life forever.

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On a different kind of experience


Kristin Benton
This is unique because we have only three days to impact lives and three days for our lives to be impacted. It is a great opportunity to put our beliefs into actions.      Read all comments»

Jessica Hahn
The most unique experience for me is how great of an impact we can have. To have the Minister of Education, etc. come to thank us already for just being here before we even start the work is incredible. I have always enjoyed community service, but now being a part of a firm that is so immense and well-known, I truly love what as one firm we can accomplish and give back.

Amanda Carr
Education is the most crucial element to progress to Belize - We are helping to improve the condition of the schools that provide that to the kids.

Amanda Rumpf
I really like the idea that so many individuals from across the US share my feelings toward service and improving the community.

Krystle Da Silva
The most unique experience is watching people from all levels of the company put any titles and experience aside and allow themselves to be vulnerable and learn from one another. It is through this that PwC can truly work as a team and have a lasting impact on this Belize community.

Andrea Cestaro
I really like getting to know the interns and seeing that everyone really wants to be here. Everyone is so energetic, optimistic and filled with hope. I also enjoy talking to the Peacework Volunteers and finding out their stories & what brought them to Belize.

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