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Sue and Austin Arzu |
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The BlissfulSage Foundation
Raquel Battle
In birth order, I am the tenth of eleven children born in Belize, Central
America. My father is Edlin Leslie Sr., who made his living as a fisherman along
the second largest barrier reef in the world. My mother, Sonia Leslie, is a home
maker and spiritual leader in the Village of Placencia, located in Southern
Belize.
To further my Creole lineage, I am the granddaughter of the late Estell and
Albert Martin and Marjorie and Percival Leslie. I give thanks for the guidance
and wisdom passed down to me from this rich genealogy; and I am particularly in
debt to the abiding love of elders such as my grandmother Estell.
As I pursued high school education in Belize I met two people who remain vital
in my life. Mrs. Suzette Arzu and Mr. Austin Arzu (of Garifuna background) gave
me the opportunity to see and appreciate the diverse cultures of Belize. They
led by example, as they welcome all people into their home. They made possible
the opportunity for me to experience the richness and depth of the Garifuna
culture, to which my soul is indelibly and passionately linked. They trusted me
and taught me to be proud of myself and always strive to do my best. As an
impressionable teenager such guidance proved priceless.
In 1996 I married Michael Battle, a theologian and visionary who continues to
fuel my passion and commitment to make a difference in the lives of those less
fortunate (www.michaelbattle.com).
Our three children Bliss, Sage and Zion are a constant source of strength and
inspiration. Through all of these primary relationships in my life, I have been
formed to start the BlissfulSage foundation. The mission of my Foundation to
provide opportunities to the vulnerable in the world. How does my Foundation
interpret who is vulnerable? The following three examples point the way.
First, more attention needs to paid to children in equatorial societies and the
global south. Secondly, the BlissfulSage Foundation works further to educate
adolescents with special needs in the public schools of Virginia. I aim to
develop Special Education programs tailored to the needs of the special
education populations in Belize. Providing resources for Belizeans with special
needs as well as training others to support them will be an ongoing program
through the BlissfulSage Foundation Inc. To deepen this vocation, I am pursuing
a Ph.D. in Special Education. Lastly, my Foundation is committed to raise
awareness of prostate Cancer, HIV, and Diabetes—such illnesses that quietly
disable many people of color around the world.
In conclusion, the BlissfulSage Foundation Inc. is a non profit organization
committed to educational, medical, cultural and spiritual programs that support
those on the threshold of change and growth. As Director and President, I
oversee our mission and vision and continually seek ways to empower the poor and
fragile among us.
Board of Directors
Rachel (Raquel) Battle: President and Founder
Rev. Dr. Michael Battle: Officer & Board Member
Carmen Battle: Officer & Board member
Constance Battle: Officer & Board Member
Anthony Flanagan, Esq.: Board Member
Alvin Ragland: Board Member
Dr. Barbara Day: Board Member
Norma Haywood: Board Member
Sylvia McNeil: Board Member
Peter J. Morris: Board Member
*Bliss Battle: Honorary Board member
*Sage Battle: Honorary Board member
*Zion Battle: Honorary Board Member
Contact Raquel Battle |
