To effectively fulfill its mandate of promoting and protecting the rights and well-being of children and families in Belize, the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC) operates through three core programmes:
1. Child and Adolescent Participation (CAP) Program
2. Information, Education and Communication Program
3. Monitoring and Evaluation Program
1. Child and Adolescent Participation (CAP) Program
The Child and Adolescent Participation (CAP) Program empowers children and adolescents to actively advocate for their rights and shape their future. Through a range of structured activities and events, the CAP Program creates meaningful opportunities for young people to engage with national processes and ensure their voices are heard in law and decision-making. This program aligns with the mandate of the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC), which upholds the right of every child to participate in matters that affect their lives. CAP plays a pivotal role in fostering youth leadership, civic engagement, and the belief that children are not just beneficiaries of change but are agents of it.
The CAP Program has many initiatives, the two most notable being the National Children Parliament and Children’s Justice League:
National Children’s Parliament (NCP)
The National Children’s Parliament (NCP) is a flagship initiative led by the NCFC in collaboration with the National Assembly, UNICEF, and other key partners. The NCP serves as a platform for Belizean children to express their views on national issues and engage directly with decision-makers. Through months of capacity-building, mentorship, and preparation, selected participants take on roles within a mock legislative session, presenting and debating real issues affecting children across the country. These discussions culminate in the drafting of motions or bills that reflect children’s perspectives and ensuring their input is acknowledged in shaping national policies and legislation.
Children’s Justice League (CJL)
The Children’s Justice League (CJL) is an extension of the National Children’s Parliament and continues the NCFC’s commitment to child participation and legal empowerment. Designed primarily for former child parliamentarians, the CJL engages children in a mock trial setting where they explore the legal and judicial processes in Belize.
Through this immersive experience, participants develop critical thinking, public speaking, and advocacy skills while deepening their understanding of justice and children’s rights. The CJL Mock Trial allows children to transition from legislative debate to courtroom procedures by building well-rounded and informed youth leaders.
Through CAP and its key initiatives, the NCFC ensures that Belizean children are not just seen and heard, but empowered to lead.
2. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Program
The Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Program is central to promoting awareness of children’s rights and supporting the development of strong, resilient families in Belize. This program designs and implements educational initiatives that highlight the rights of children and address the key issues impacting their lives and well-being.
In addition to child-focused advocacy, the IEC Program actively promotes family development by raising awareness on the importance of positive parenting, family support systems, and community responsibility. Through strategic use of social media and other communication platforms, the IEC Program engages children, youth, and the wider public in advocacy efforts.
The IEC Program fosters a culture of advocacy and informed action empowering Belizeans to protect children’s rights and build stronger, more supportive families and communities.
One of IEC most notable initiatives is the annual Media Workshop:
The Media Workshop is an annual event hosted by the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC) that engages members of the Belizean media in addressing issues related to the violation of children’s rights and promoting sensitivity in media reporting. This sensitization workshop serves as a catalyst for fostering greater awareness, understanding, and
accountability in reporting practices concerning minors and other vulnerable populations. Through initiatives like this, NCFC aims to help cultivate a media landscape that upholds the rights, dignity, and well-being of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable in our society.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Program
The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Program at the National Commission for Families and Children (NCFC) is a strategic mechanism designed to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting and protecting the rights and well-being of children and families in Belize.
Through systematic data collection, analysis, and reporting, the M&E Program supports evidence-based decision-making, promotes accountability, and fosters continuous learning and improvement across NCFC’s work. The program plays a key role in:
● Tracking progress on the implementation of national strategies such as the National Children’s Agenda.
● Evaluating outcomes of initiatives to determine what works and where adjustments are needed.
● Ensuring alignment with national development goals and international frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
● Strengthening partnerships with stakeholders by sharing insights and data to enhance coordinated responses and policy coherence.
By fostering a culture of learning and accountability, the M&E Program ensures that NCFC’s work remains transparent, responsive, and grounded in measurable progress toward a safer, more inclusive Belize for all children and families.
See data about the National Children’s Agenda on the Belize National Statistical System: