For the third year in a row, the US Embassy today named its Woman of the Year. 7news was at the ceremony which was held at the US ambassador's residence in Belmopan.
The ward is reserved for a woman who has inspired and made positive contributions within her community.
Many big names were nominated this year - all of them worthy - but the most worthy was one woman - whose name you might not know unless you live in Hattieville where - through grit, hard work and personal involvement, she has touched hundreds of lives:..
H. E. Vinai K Thummalapally - US Ambassador to Belize
"It is because we believe that there is so much to be appreciated in the achievements of remarkable women and the causes to which they devote their lives, that the US Embassy established the Belize Woman of the Year Award. It is vital to recognize those who give selflessly to others."
Jules Vasquez reporting
And this year's most selfless is Rita Coleman who founded the LEAP women's group - she was selected from among ten nominees including Audrey Matura Shepherd and Yvette Burks.
And here's why this former school principal and lifetime community worker was selected:
H. E. Vinai K Thumalapally
"As principal of the Hattieville Government School and a resident of the community, Mrs. Coleman saw first-hand, many of the challenges facing her students, their families, and her neighbors. She founded LEAP to help. She has a special interest in helping single mothers overcoming the obstacles they confront, and hopes to expand on her efforts to provide opportunities for these young women to hone their parenting skills, and where possible, discover ways to generate income, and perhaps continue their education."
"LEAP and Mrs. Coleman support those in need in many other ways. Every Year, LEAP organizes and holds a Christmas party for more than 300 needy children, where they can enjoy a turkey dinner complete with desserts and a toy. The last Thursday of every month, for the past 10 years, Mrs. Coleman has hosted, in her home, a senior citizens group meeting to provide stimulation, a light meal, and fellowship to older citizens."
Jules Vasquez
"Why do you do what you do?"
Rita Coleman - Belize Woman of the Year, 2012
"Well, for me, it's a passion. I love what I do. I love working with people, and for me, I get a deep satisfaction at the end of the day within my heart. And I just can't see things that are happening and nothing is being done about it. So, I usually step forward and try see how I can make things happen."
Jules Vasquez
"How do you find money for these various activities that you do?"
Rita Coleman
"That's a good question. I think - I pray a lot, Jules. I pray a lot, and I just believe that God opens a way. He will make a way. And I sincerely believe that he is paving the way for me, because it is difficult getting funding now, but we still - from day to day - keep our kitchen open. Sometimes I go into my pocket - not sometimes - every month, I would go into my pocket, do a little, and it is working. I think that God has a big hand in it. He makes a way."
Two tickets to anywhere in the continental USA - and will be part of a publicity tour - by American, delta and united - she will participate in volunteer visitor programme - the U.S. government will cover all travel - allow her to share expertise with municipal groups
The embassy works in collaboration with the Women's Department to come up with the nominees.
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