There is also an infirmary for the care of geriatric and chronically ill patients. Local training for nurses and midwives is provided at the Belize School of Nursing. A new offshore medical University is presently operating in the country. Education is compulsory for children aged between 6 and 14. Primary and Secondary education is free.
Government runs some of the schools but most schools are run by the churches.
The Government maintains one special school for mentally disabled children and another for children with physical disabilities. The CET has also opened a branch in San Ignacio, Cayo District. Training is based on employment trends, as well as on the nature of changes in the labour market. Specialized training is available at other institutions. The Belize Technical College offers craft and technical courses, the Belize Teachers College runs a two-year diploma course leading to trained teacher status.