Designing Our Future, Mobilizing People for Change

 The future of Belize experienced through the minds of innovative students!!!

May 23, 2012, Belize City, Belize— Total Business Solutions Limited, the local distributor of Esri Inc., in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted the 1st Annual “My Virtual City” Competition and Exhibition on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at the Princess Hotel in Belize City. The competition was first launched at the World GIS Day EXPO, November 16, 2011.

Guided by the theme “Designing our Future! Mobilizing People for Change!” the Competition challenged primary and high school students to imagine, design, and build future cities in Belize. Students worked as teams to plan cities using Esri software; research and write solutions to environmental, social, and engineering problems; build tabletop scale models with recycled materials; and present their ideas before judges. The goals of the “My Virtual City” competition were to:

• Create awareness and ignite the imagination of the younger generation about GIS.
• Impart knowledge, including how to use Esri software and problem-solving skills.
• Allow students to experience how GIS can be used for problem solving, planning, and overall improvement of communities, especially Belize.
• Enhance students’ leadership skills by teaching them about human rights and development standards to improve society.

Read more at official MyVirtualCity Competition Site & Facebook Page!