Four-day conference celebrates 4-H around the world
By Kaitlynn Anderson
Farms.com
Source: Emmett Sawyer
“Empowering Youth. Growing Global Citizens.”
That was the theme of last week’s Global 4-H Network Summit, where youth from more than 70 countries gathered in Ottawa to celebrate 4-H.
Emmett Sawyer, who lives on a grain farm west of Acme, Alta., was one of the attendees.
“I wanted to attend this conference because other 4-H’ers from across the world were going to be in Ottawa and I wanted to share my ideas and passion with them,” said Sawyer.
Sawyer plans to bring the information he learned back to his community to share with others.
Each day of the four-day summit focused on a different area of interest. The first day, July 11, concentrated on community engagement and communication. The following days consisted of science and technology, sustainable agriculture and food security, and the environment and healthy living.
One of Sawyer’s favourite moments from the summit was watching the South Korean delegation perform a choreographed dance.
“If I hadn’t been at this conference, I wouldn’t have been able to see what their music and dance is like.”
Once the performance was over, the audience called the delegation back for an encore, where even more people joined in on the experience.
“I have met so many amazing people through 4-H, and I now have many friendships with people from across Canada and the United States.”
Sawyer highly recommends 4-H to other youth. He highlights the many skills he has learned, including public speaking and becoming a better leader.
“4-H has something for everyone,” he said. “Whether you like to show animals, create arts and crafts, improve your outdoor skills or fix small engines, there is a project for everyone.”
The Global 4-H Network Summit was open to all 4-H members (aged 16 to 25), volunteers and professionals from around the globe.
In Ontario, 4-H is open to youth between the ages of nine and 21.