TIDE Tours
Project
The Freshwater Cup Program is an NGO that was started by TIDE over 10 years ago in the Maya Mountain Marine Corridor region in southern Belize. The program targets more than 600 youths in 19 primary schools and 4 high schools through a football tournament. If children want to participate in this locally famous tournament, their team must successfully complete a socially or environmentally beneficial project in their community, focusing on the protection of water resources or addressing social issues. Both the sport and the community service develop important life skills and the benefits go well beyond healthy physical development.
Needs
General School Supplies:
Book Bags, College-Ruled Paper, Colored Construction Paper, Colored Pencils, Compasses, Crayons, Dry-Erase Markers, Erasers, Glue Sticks, Handheld Pencil Sharpeners, Markers, Pencils, Pencil Cases/Bags, Pens, Protractors, Rulers, Solar Calculators, Solar Lantern Lights, and Wide-Ruled Paper
Reference Materials:
(English) Dictionaries
Laminated Wall Charts:
(English) Math, Science, and World Maps
Text/Reading Books:
(English) General Science
Computer Hardware/Software:
Flash Drives/Memory Sticks, Printers, and Tablets
Educational Games/Toys:
Scrabble and Puzzles
Music Instruments:
Recorders and Tambourines
Sports/Outdoor Activity:
Inflation Pumps, Netball/Basketballs, Soccer Balls, Team Uniforms/Kits for Soccer, and Tennis Balls
Clothing/Shoes:
New or Gently Used Children’s Clothing and Shoes
Linens:
Mosquito Nets
Health/Personal Grooming:
Band-Aids, Toothbrushes, and Toothpaste
Gardening:
Books about Gardening, Gardening Gloves, Hand Fork, Small Pruning Shears, Spades, and Trowel
Initiatives Supported
Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.
Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
• Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
• The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.
Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.
