This week, University Relations science and research writer Matt McGowan is working in Belize with students, faculty members and a few alumni who are part of the Belize Community Development Program. The program is a partnership between the University of Arkansas and Peacework, an international humanitarian organization founded by UA alumnus Stephen Darr.

Check out what's been going on in Belize this summer at http://dailyheadlines.uark.edu/13002.htm!

This is the second year students have come to work in Belize – south of the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, which is about the size of Massachusetts, has approximately 300,000 people –  although the partnership between the University and Peacework began in 2005. The multidisciplinary program is an innovative approach to enhancing educational experience and engaging students in sustainable global development. Supervised by faculty members, students participate in many local projects, including small-business development and marketing, literacy and social work in schools, sustainable agriculture, ecology and civil engineering.

McGowan will file daily observations about the program, its participants and Belize, especially Dangriga, the coastal town where the program is based. His story about the program will appear in the fall issue of Arkansas, the University’s alumni magazine.