Belize, April 21 -- The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors has approved the new Belize Early Childhood Development and Female Empowerment Project, which will generate opportunities for women and future generations by boosting women's employment and expanding the access of quality, inclusive early childhood education. Belize faces significant gaps in early childhood education. During the school year 2023-24, only 39 percent of 3- and 4-year-olds were enrolled in preschool, and access to formal childcare is limited, with just 24 registered daycare centers, all located in Belize's main cities. Evidence confirms that early learning is associated with improved school readiness, lower repetition and dropout rates, and higher academic achie...