When Desi Rosado was a boy, there was no high school on Caye Caulker. He was fortunate to get a scholarship to study off the island, but most youth were not and remained in poverty. Desi found a way to make a difference. He contributed as a founding donor to open the first high school, Ocean Academy, in 2008. Since then, six graduating classes have been empowered through education. Through this fund, Desi continues to ensure that the youth of Caye Caulker receive a life-changing education.
Youth of Caye Caulker are facing a 25% unemployment rate after graduation. A shift in skills and mindset is needed so students can be the creators (not just users) of technology and start new entrepreneurial opportunities for employment. Additionally, school is not free in Belize. The cost of school fees, books, and uniforms prevents almost half of Belizean youth from getting a high-school education.
Technology with Purpose is a budding Social Enterprise. Students are learning skills which they will soon put into practice as apprentices and sell real-world services to local businesses and individuals such as website design and development, graphic design, computer repair, and computer networking. Through social enterprise, students develop and lead school businesses that earn money for their school fees, their bank accounts, and school programming.
By investing in the Desi Rosado Technology and Business Fund, you are investing in programs that are increasing the Social-Enterprise earn and learn approach. O.A.'s goal is to replace all fundraising with social enterprise funding. We are proud to have steadily increased social enterprise funding each year (for the past 5 years) to 15% of the school's budget. You are also investing in a program with financial transparency and site visits to Caye Caulker, conducted by Desi Rosado.
