“If every child matters, every child has the right to a good start in life.   If every child matters, every child has the right to be included.  And that is so important for children with special needs.” -Cherie Blair.  The Pike County Extension Council identified health and nutrition as an identified need for the citizens of our county.

“4-H is a light at the end of the tunnel”-Brandi Smith, Functional Mental Disability Teacher.  

At middle and high school levels, special needs youth are put in the FMD unit; according to their teachers, they feel isolated.  At the request of one 4-H alum in this unit, we started programming with these special clubs.  He said, "Mrs. Froman, why can we not have 4-H?  That statement, helped us to expand 4-H to three other schools.  We have units at three high schools and one at a middle school with a membership of 35 4-H members. 

Through 4-H, we are teaching them important skills.  The youth are learning the importance of hand washing, knife skills, (some of them have never used a knife), how to measure ingredients, and hands on cooking experiences.  Even through the pandemic, we masked up and helped them gain skills through workshops, like how to make handmade ornaments and how to make simple dishes that they can make with assistance.

Brandi further commented: “It has been great that we get 4-H craft kits and we get on Zoom and make them together with the students.  This gives them a sense of normalcy during the pandemic since we cannot be face to face in the classroom.  The 4-H staff assistant gives a lot of joy and they are excited to see her….even on Zoom as a surprise.”

Angela Bartley stated, "When planning our month on our calendars, the first question the students ask is "When is the 4H lady coming?". They look forward to the fun and often delicious activities as well as the warm friendship they experience during each visit.  From making pillows to appropriate practices when washing your hands for food preparation, the activities are always engaging, and practical; providing the students with essential life skills . The exceptional needs students feel totally comfortable with their personal performance levels and ability to ask for assistance during every activity.  The relationship the students have formed with the 4H staff often motivates them to pursue positive choices whether it's for the wellness of their bodies or for the recreation/social benefits of their health! Due to the functional nature of the activities, the students are really interested and attend to every presentation as if a friendly neighbor were here to share some great how to tips to have a better home and a better life!"

They do have the the right to inclusion.  We have made all rasonable efforts to include this special group of 4-H youth into our program and they are "learning by doing."