The 4H club aims to teach youths practical skills in a number of areas and while there are several clubs across the country today the Guyana National Launch took place at the Guyana School of Agriculture at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.
4-H is a global network of youth organizations whose mission is “engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development”.
Its name is a reference to the occurrence of the initial letter H four times in the organization’s original motto ‘head, heart, hands, and health’ which was later incorporated into the fuller pledge officially adopted in 1927.
The skills attained through the 4H club could be used in all aspects of life and according to Alexandra Abdelwahab, CUSO International Volunteer, Guyana has five focus areas; Food and Nutrition, Environment and Climate Change, Science and Technology, Agriculture and Agriprocessing and Entrepreneurship.
However, as time passes and the programme expands more areas would be added.
Guyana is also currently using the Curriculum from Jamaica but this too is expected to change with the passing of time.
Pierre Giroux, Canada’s Ambassador to Guyana said the 4H club offers youths extra assets to make them successful citizens of their country.
A 4H Club member, 20-year-old Naomi Richmond said she was first introduced to the club while she was attending the Sophia Training Centre.
Miss Richmond and other batch mates formed their own 4H Club and elected executive members. They embarked on two projects which were successful.
Skills are also taught in Public speaking, Cosmetology, Poultry care and Management are among the other focus areas at 4H clubs.
