The Statistical Institute of Belize, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), hosted an introductory level training in Data Analysis and Microdata Access for data users. This one day session was offered to two cohorts of participants, on October 18 and 19, 2017 at the Inspiration Center conference room in Belize City.
The purpose of this first of its kind activity was to sensitize data users as to the uses and availability of microdata, in particular the SIB’s census and household survey microdata, as well as to introduce them to data analysis of such microdata using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. Data collected by the SIB, while subject to strict controls to ensure confidentiality and to prevent misuse, are a rich, nationally representative source of information and one of the key functions of the SIB is to promote the use of such data for informed planning, decision-making, monitoring progress, research, and advocacy. It is also one of the major goals of the UNFPA’s strategy for the upcoming 2020 round of censuses to strengthen national capacities to utilize such data to “inform sustainable development policies, plans and programs, their monitoring and evaluation, and for the public good.”
A total of 35 participants from within the public sector, NGO community, academia, and the private sector participated during the two days.
