International Programs Teach Youth the Value of Inclusion

The goal of the Kentucky 4-H International Program is to enhance world understanding and global citizenship through high-quality 4-H international cultural immersion, global educational opportunities, and exchange programs. To compete in our changing world, individuals need to change their attitudes toward others and need to collect information about their cultures and values; finally, they need to develop skills to embrace the changes for the establishment of a tolerant society (Altun, 2017). 

After the County Extension Agent participated in a University of Kentucky Confucius Institute program about Chinese culture, Green County 4-H created an International Club to expose youth to different cultures through the eyes of their youth.  Monthly activities were planned to focus on different countries.  Participants would could collectively cook sample foods, learn about their clothing styles, games and unique historical points.  When studying China, youth learned to cook a rice dish and wantons while playing the Chinese yoyo and balancing plates like the greatest of Peking Acrobats.  Each youth completed a Chinese watercolor art to take home and share with their families.  Visitors from China shared their experiences relating to the participants' American culture.  

Kentucky 4-H youth reported that they feel more connected with people around them because they have experienced a different culture and understand what it means to find similarities and differences with others promoting tolerance and acceptance. The meetings had an average of ten participants.  The youth reported sharing the recipes with their family and cooking the cultural delicacies again for their family.  Each youth was encouraged to talk with their families about something unique from the country they learned about.  Ninety percent of the report reported they shared their experiences with at least one additional person.  Together with our partners the Kentucky 4-H International Program values: multiple perspectives, respect for others, cultural understanding, global connections, diversity, learning by doing, tolerance, innovation, and engaged citizenship.