Bring a Mission Team to Holy Cross Anglican School
Holy Cross Anglican Primary School in San Pedro, Belize was built through the gifts and talents of many volunteers and it is donors and volunteers who continue to sustain the school. HCAS has a long and rich history of welcoming teams and individuals looking for a place to volunteer. As San Pedro is a beautiful, safe, English-speaking destination, it is an ideal location for first time mission teams. This includes youth teams, adult teams, college teams, or groups of friends. Where possible, we strive to build strong, ongoing relationships with churches and colleges. Holy Cross sits at the entry to the San Mateo neighborhood, one of the poorest in all of Belize. It is the only school on the island of Ambergris Caye that permits students who cannot pay tuition to attend classes.
Holy Cross is only as strong as its supporters. Since 2006 Holy Cross has educated the most disadvantaged children of San Pedro. Even the smallest involvement has a positive and noticeable impact on the students’ experience, health, and education.
While donors and volunteers have already helped make Holy Cross a special place, there is always more to do. Please see the list below for some ideas on how you can share in our work.
- General maintenance and repair of the buildings and grounds - cleaning and painting
- Construction of new classrooms
- Games, craft instruction, sports camps
- Vacation Bible School
Volunteer your talents and think outside the box
Your unique skill set can help improve HCAS. Everything at the school - from the floorboards to the roofing zinc - has been built and maintained by volunteers. We literally could not do what we do for our community without the ongoing support of volunteers. Wind and solar energy specialists have volunteered their expertise to help get green energy to the school; educational personnel have helped improve and innovate the school's curriculum; dentists have provided care to HCAS students which improved overall physical health; advocates of the school have published articles and produced videos to spread the word; youth have organized pancake breakfasts to help fund the school. The list goes on.
Whatever your talent or skill we will do our best to find a place to make good use of it.
For more information about bringing a team to Holy Cross Anglican School please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Viviana Paredes, at volunteerbelize@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the volunteer teams that come work at Holy Cross?
A team is any group of people willing to work together to help at our school. Most often these teams are from churches, universities and high schools, though we also have groups of friends, as well as families, come to volunteer.
What do teams volunteer teams do?
It all depends on age, experience and resources, but there are always things that need to be done at the school. It is incredibly rewarding to work on behalf of the local children. We have openings for teams to help with a variety of projects. These projects include playground improvements, painting, and repairing decking. We also need help with a wide variety of essential maintenance projects, including shutter and furniture repair.
When are mission/volunteer teams needed?
• Winter/Spring Break
• Summer – from late June to early August
Can I come on my own or volunteer as an individual?
Yes! If you have skills with computers, or can service printers and copy machines, we could sure use your help in our computer lab. We also value skilled trades-people that can help with various maintenance needs around the school.
How can I get involved?
Holy Cross Anglican School was built and is sustained by donations of time, talent, treasure and testimony. Donations to the Holy Cross Education Foundation support our schools' infrastructure and programming and are always appreciated. Additionally, we count on volunteers to assist with on-going maintenance, new construction, and administrative support.
Can I visit the school or organize a mission trip?
Yes! Our school relies on the talent of volunteers. If you're interested in visiting the school or learning more about organizing a mission trip to Holy Cross, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Viviana, at volunteerbelize@gmail.com.
What does the Holy Cross Education Foundation do?
Holy Cross Education Foundation exists to provide administrative and financial assistance to schools in developing countries that serve disadvantaged students. At this time our resources support Holy Cross Anglican Primary School in San Pedro, Belize.
If I were to make a donation, how would my dollars be used?
100% of tax-deductible contributions made to the Holy Cross Education Foundation are used to support education in the Anglican Diocese of Belize. Our greatest focus is Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro for both their educational programming and property/infrastructure needs. We take the responsibility to our community and our donors very seriously, working to the ensure long-term sustainability of the school.
How do I get to the school?
The only international airport in Belize (Philip Goldson International Airport, BZE), is located in Belize City which is on the mainland. Most US airlines fly into Belize daily. Two regional airlines, Maya Island Air and Tropic Airlines, fly several flights a day between Belize City and San Pedro. The flight time is 15 minutes. Both of these airlines accept on-line reservations which you are encouraged to make in advance. There is also the option to take a cab to the ferry dock in downtown Belize City and then take the water taxi (San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi) to San Pedro. The ferry ride is approximately 1.5 hours long.
Once you are on the island, you will find Holy Cross Anglican School on the north end of town, just over the canal bridge.
Is there an Anglican Church affiliated with Holy Cross Anglican School?
After years of planning, fundraising, community and dioscesan support, Resurrection Hall is now a permanent fixture on the Holy Cross campus. This facility serves a dual purpose as part of the Holy Cross Anglican School and the newly established Holy Cross Anglican Church, which officially opened its doors for local parish worship on March 2, 2025.
Do I need to speak Spanish to volunteer at Holy Cross?
No! English is the official language of Belize, and all classes at Holy Cross Anglican School are taught in English by English speaking teachers. That's what makes Belize such an easy country to visit in Central America!
What grades are served at Holy Cross?
Holy Cross Anglican Primary School educates students from the pre-school (4-year-old) through what is called Standard 6 in Belize. Standard 6 is the U.S. equivalent of sixth grade.
How is the curriculum set?
The curriculum for all schools in Belize is set by the Belize Ministry of Education. Because Holy Cross Anglican School also falls under management of the Anglican Diocese of Belize, there are spiritual requirements set by the diocese that are interwoven into the class curriculum, as well.
Could I come and teach in Belize? How would I qualify to be a teacher?
Teachers are hired through each school's respective management as well as the Belize Teaching Service Commission, not by the school directly. During the application process, the applicant/teacher will be provided a form that must be completed in-full and accompanied by a valid Belizean teaching license from the Ministry of Education. Other requirements include a clean background check, medical evaluation, a minimum of an associate's degree in primary education and a teaching pedagogy at the primary level (or based on training).
Where is Belize?
Belize is a country in Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, and Guatemala to the south. The Caribbean Sea is the body of water to the east of this country. Until its independence from Great Brittan in 1981, Belize was known as British Honduras. Holy Cross Anglican Primary School is located on one of the many islands that are a part of the country of Belize called Ambergris Caye.
What is the weather like in Belize?
The climate is tropical in Belize. There are two primary seasons: wet (June-November) and dry (December-May). With Holy Cross being located on the island of Ambergris Caye, the tradewinds off the Caribbean Sea help to keep things cooler when the temperatures rise in the wet season.
