Biography of Mrs. Juanita Batun:
Mrs. Juanita Batun was first introduced to the teaching profession as a budding, determined pupil teacher in January, 1978. This driven, up-and-coming teacher would continue to grow, making the most of her professional and academic studies at the Belize Teachers College. By 1992, Juanita was an exceptionally trained teacher. She later achieved a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Literacy Development from the University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada in 2010.
Fully trained, qualified and certified, Juanita rendered her services to various Catholic, Anglican and Government schools across Belize. This added scope and a wide range of expertise and experiences, working among various educators and stakeholders in her capacity as teacher, principal and literacy coach.
During her tenure as a literacy coach for 3 years at QADS, Ministry of Education, Juanita had the opportunity to train teachers from several districts including Belize, Cayo, Stann Creek and Toledo District. Her main task involved training teachers in developing strategies that would better assist them in teaching reading and writing to children at their respective schools.
In 2016, Juanita retired from the teaching profession after having served for 38 years as a primary school teacher and principal.
Presently, Juanita Batun is the coordinator at Eglah’s Training Center for Women (and Families) since September 2018. As a teacher and program coordinator, Juanita oversees the work that Eglah’s promotes and she offers training in literacy, computerized reading and life skills to students at the Primary and Secondary levels as well as youths and adults.
Biography of Mr. Eric Neal:
Mr. Eric Neal is known in Belize as an experienced and well-versed teacher. During his tenure in the teaching profession, Mr. Neal demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and was a strong disciplinarian.
He commenced his teaching career in 1963 at the age of 24 years old. He taught at St. Ignatius Primary School for 6 years and during that time, Mr. Neal enrolled in classes offered at St. John’s Evening Extension for 3 years. He later transferred to St John’s College where he worked for 26 years leading to his retirement age.
Even upon retirement in 1995, Mr. Neal continued offering his service at St. John’s College Bookstore where he worked for 5 years. In the year 2000, he left the world of work completely.
Presently, Mr. Eric Neal is a member of Eglah’s Training Center for Women (and Families) Board where he continues to offer his experiences and expertise voluntarily to other members of the board.
Biography of Mrs. Myrna Willoughby:
Mrs. Myrna Willoughby is a proud Belizean and married.
She has a Bachelors in Social Work and Associate degree in Para-legal.
Myrna worked with the government of Belize for twenty four (24) years in two different government departments. She also served as the community development officer in charge of the entire district of Corozal for two years. She also was involved with the 4-H movement and was the assistant treasurer on the National 4-H Foundation.
After retiring from government, Myrna did voluntary work with Eglah’s Training Center for Women and Families for ten (10) years which was a good experience for her in that field of education.
Her hobbies include working with people especially youths and children, travelling in and outside Belize, a little planting and watching game shows among other interests.
Lastly, she is a proud, GOD fearing woman, aspiring towards the utmost Spiritual maturity to carry out the will of GOD.
Biography of Mrs. Sandra Arnold:
Sandra Olivett Arnold, was born in Belize City on the 1st December 1954, and is the youngest of seven children. She is a graduate of The Belize Technical College and The University of Belize. After graduating from high school in 1972, she was employed by The Government of Belize in 1973 as a typist. During her years in the government service she held the posts of Stenographer, a Court Reporter, and finally in 1995 she was promoted to the post of a Magistrate in the Belize Family Court, a position she held up to her retirement in 2014.
Sandra has been involved in the work of Eglah’s Training Center for Women, as a member of the Board from the time of its inception, witnessing its growth from where it began to where the school is presently. Although Sandra has retired from the public service, she now utilizes her time volunteering at her church and being engaged with different organizations as well as finding time to do her regular exercise routine.
Sandra is married, a mother of two adult daughters and the proud grandmother of three adorable grandchildren.
Biography of Mr. Ricardo Juan Diaz:
Ricardo Juan Diaz lives at No. 11 Central American Boulevard, Belize City.
He attended St. John’s College in 1972 where he completed his studies with determination and distinction.
His working experience started many years ago when he became owner and operator of Santos Diaz and Sons Limited. Presently, he continues to work in the family business since 1972, having assumed the post of General Manager in 1995 then full ownership in 2009.
Mr. Ricardo Juan Diaz is a well-known Justice of the Peace since January, 2003 and continues to render his services to the community voluntarily, serving with dignity, respect and commitment. He is also a Commissioner of the Supreme Court and received his commission in 2003.
Mr. Diaz is currently the active Treasurer of Eglah’s Training Center for Women (& Families), a non-profit organization. He has been a member of Eglah’s since its inception in 2005. He continues to offer his experience and expertise as a voluntary service.
Other voluntary services rendered to the community include working closely with the following: National Fire Service, Traffic Advisory Committee, Belize Bodybuilding Association, Belize Jaycees and St. Martin De Porres Committee.
Mr. Ricardo Juan Diaz remains a dedicated and committed person to his family, friends and to the community at large; all of whom he continues to serve with esteem, empathy and enthusiasm.