The Bishop of Belize, Philip Wright, has spoken of the importance of children during an interview conducted by a student of Belize High School. The interview was conducted by 13-year-old Aajalee Turton, as part of a project organised by the Special Envoy for Children and Women in Belize, for International Children’s Day last week. It was one of a number of interviews carried out by children as part of the project.

Aajalee Turton began the interview by asking why it was important to recognise International Children’s Day. “Children are an important part of who we are as a society, as a community, as a country,” Bishop Philip said. “Just imagine what the world would be like if there were no children.

“All of us who are older were once children and therefore we should have an appreciation of how important children are to who we are as a people. . . I don't think children are just the future - they are very much part of the present as well.”

He said that he didn’t set out to become a bishop, but did feel called to be a priest from an early age. “The one thing I would like people to know is the difference it makes to love what you do. For instance, now that I serve as a bishop, how important it is that I enjoy what I do. And what I do, I believe it can make a difference and so I continue to do it.”

Asked what advice he would give his younger-self, Bishop Philip said to “be a little more confident, to step out more.” He continued: “I think back then I might have been a bit more shy, a bit more introverted that I am today. when I look back I think I could have been a little more outgoing.”

Turning the tables, Bishop Philip asked Aajalee what she wanted to be when she was older. She explained that, inspired by her father, she wanted to become a structural engineer.

The Special Envoy for Children and Women, Mrs Kim Simplis Barrow, was appointed by the Belizean government as a champion for children, working with government departments and the National Committee for Families and Children in the country.