Our
Story
The Beginnings
On a short mission trip to Belize in 2012, Steve Troyer met Kent Fuller, and the two discovered they shared a vision for a trade school with a holistic approach that teaches employable trades, life skills to build a better future, and practical faith to find peace and purpose in life.
The pilot program ran in 2013, and the first 6-week long program ran in 2014 with 14 students.
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Now, the program runs each year in Belize with around 20 students learning trades like mechanics, plumbing, AC repair, computer programing, small engine mechanics, welding, and electrical. Our gifted instructors come from all over North America and South Africa.
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Each year there are powerful stories of students who find hope and empowerment during their time at the school, and walk away different people. That is what keeps us going. Students are taught by instructors who invest in them personally, sharing stories from their own lives and creating space for students to share theirs. ​​​
Location
Our current campus is located just outside Belmopan, Belize. Originally a summer camp, it has been transformed to host Trades 4 Life. Students stay in colorful cabins spread out from the central dining hall and classroom building, while instructors and staff have small apartments nearby on site. The campus is nestled on a quiet road near the jungle. We hear more monkeys than cars!