The Global 4-H Network believes the power to build a more sustainable future lies with youth. They hosted a Summit to aid in creating long-term solutions that strengthen communities and feed a growing world. Both of these are important to ensure global economic and political stability for future generations. The National 4-H Headquarters currently has a representative on the governing board of the Network and encouraged Cooperative Extension Programs at land-grant institutions to send delegations to the Summit.
Three Cameron County youth accompanied Guadalupe Castro and Dawn Burton to the 4-H Global Summit in Ottawa, Canada on July 11-14, 2017. Castro is an extension agent, and Burton is a health coordinator for the Cooperative Extension Program. Students Perla Sanchez, Yuridia Ibarra, and Isela Diaz attended workshops that highlighted what 4-H youth were accomplishing around the world. Meeting with youth from Canada, Argentina, Korea, Ireland, China, Japan, Nepal, Morocco, Kenya, and Nigeria, among others, they established a global network that they could use to influence positive change in their community.
During the Summit they visited the Natural History Museum of Ottawa where they tried local cuisine and observed a presentation on populations in the area and their cultural dances. They also spent an evening in the Museum of Food and Agriculture where they experienced projects led by local 4-H clubs. At night they visited the Capital Parliament building to experience the light show that helped tell the history of Canada. The Summit hosted a gala where participants were encouraged to wear attire that represented their culture. The young ladies left the Summit inspired to come back to their communities and begin their roles as club leaders.
The Global 4-H Network was formed in 2014 at the Summit in Seoul, South Korea. At that time there were two representatives elected from the following regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America. These representatives formed the Board of Directors and the global 4-H declaration was signed.
This work was supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 1890 Extension Formula Program projects under Section 1444.
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Guadalupe Castro
Extension Agent, Cameron County
(956) 361-8236
guadalupe.castro@ag.tamu.edu