The Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico school, located in San Roman in Corozal, which opened its doors in 1983 with 68 students and 5 teachers, celebrated its 31st anniversary on Thursday.

The official ceremony was conducted by the school’s principal, Carlos Castillo, and the Mexican Ambassador to Belize, Mario Velazquez.

More than 800 people attended, including school officials, teachers, students and their families.

Escuela México is a technical/vocational high school that was established by the Mexican government as a friendly gesture in recognition of the Independence of Belize. Since its establishment, the school’s student population has grown considerably, and presently it has an enrollment of over 650 students.

In 2006, Mexico donated US$700,000 for the expansion of the school’s premises in order to establish the Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College, which opened its doors in September 2007. Presently over 200 students are enrolled at this junior college.

Marcelino Miranda, Director of Public Relations at the Mexican Embassy, told Amandala that initially, the school was fully controlled by the Mexicans, but it has since been handed over to a Belizean board of directors, although the Mexican Embassy still gives a grant annually to assist with the smooth running of the school.

Also, the Mexican government, through the Mexican Embassy, is actively involved in the school though cultural exchange and cooperation.

Throughout the years, Escuela Mexico has improved its academic standards and its students have as a whole performed well in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams. The school’s premises are also an important center in the Corozal District for cultural and educational events.

In his address, Mexican Ambassador Mario Velazquez highlighted the achievements of the school as well as the remarkable history of educational and cultural cooperation between Mexico and Belize. The Embassy of Mexico handed over prizes for the most outstanding male and female student, and teacher.

The celebrations for the 31st anniversary included a presentation by a traditional dance company from Quintana Roo, and a raffle for toys made by artisans in Mexico City and Oaxaca, Mexico, to promote handicraft.