It’s easy to find opportunities for youth to contribute to their own communities. One of the great things about Michigan 4-H is that it helps youth spread their wings and learn about the world beyond their county, state and national borders.
In Ionia county, volunteer 4-H leader Judy Huynh, developed a model service learning project for her World Wide Kids 4-H club. Recently, the club hosted an international dinner that raised more than $800 for Heifer International. The funds were used to purchase rabbits, chickens, a water buffalo, a goat, a sheep and a pig for families around the world in hopes of alleviating hunger and poverty through sustainable and ecologically sound agricultural practices.
If that isn’t enough, the club branched out to learn about global microfinance and entrepreneurship through Kiva, a micro-lending organization that connects potential lenders with entrepreneurs from around the world. World Wide Kids 4-H Club loaned $50 to a woman in Liberia who plans to open a rice store.
Wow! These kind of entrepreneurial projects, combined with the spirit of cooperation and education are a perfect example of successful 4-H programming.
