Volunteering in Belize

Kristin was born and raised in Belize. After studying Economics in the US, she moved to London to pursue a Master in Social Policy and Development. She enjoyed travelling Europe, South Africa, and Hong Kong during that year and hopes to see more of the world very soon! Kristin is passionate about criminal justice and aims for all the projects in Belize help to combat the root causes of violence in Belize.

Celso has worked in marine conservation in Belize for the past eight years as a marine biologist for local NGOs and the national university. Celso Cawich graduated from the University of Belize with a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management. More recently, Celso pursued a Master’s degree in Marine Science from the University of the South Pacific. His Master’s degree was focused in the identification of shark nursery grounds in Fiji. He has extensive knowledge of Belize’s marine science programs and has played a crucial role in the development of national marine monitoring databases such as the Reef Fish Spawning Aggregation Database, the Turtle Database and the Coral Bleaching Database. Celso has also worked as a student volunteer trainer, teaching young students in Belize about regional marine research methodologies. In his spare time, Celso enjoys diving new sites, exploring Belize’s coastal islands and hiking the Maya Mountains.

Ashty is originally from Belize City, but has been living on the island of Ambergris Caye for about six years. She is a certified massage therapist and volunteer with the Belize Red Cross (San Pedro Branch), of which she is currently the Vice Chair and First Aid/CPR Instructor. She loves animals and learning new things in her spare time.

Diomne was born and raised on the south side of Belize City. Having seen children and adults live in poverty, she quickly became drawn to volunteering while she was still in high school. She moved to Cleveland, United States on a scholarship to study and now holds a bachelor's degree in political science. During her summer break in 2014, she aided in facilitating a workshop, which encouraged Belizean writers and poets to write not only about the paradisal side of Belize but also about the harsh realities Belizeans face every day. She also helped publish the attendees’ final written pieces. Diomne now chairs the Animal Welfare Committee for the Belize Humane Society, which volunteers run. She is committed to humanitarian and advocacy work and is excited to work with and guide our volunteers.

Claudia joined Projects Abroad in October 2013. She was born and raised in Cape Town, where she graduated at Cape Peninsula University of Technology with a National Diploma in Tourism Management. She is passionate about working with and meeting different people from different cultures. In her spare time she enjoys the outdoors, travelling domestically and exploring new places.