During the coronavirus pandemic a Webster County 4-H Teen expanded borders through 4-H. Through research one Webster County 4-H Teen came up with the global and civic education focused project, The Kentucky 4-H 1,000 Paper Cranes Project. She came up with the idea of the 1,000 Paper Cranes Project because in Japanese culture a paper crane represents peace, good health, and friendship. This virtual project was created during the height of the coronavirus crisis.  The Webster County 4-H teen wanted to use the message of the Japanese paper crane to promote understanding during the trying times. This was a way people all over the world could work together to accomplish a common goal.
 

From the 1,000 Paper Crane Project she learned that it is important to understand other cultures in order to be more knowledgeable about the world around us. She believes 4-H equips youth with the skills to make a global impact. The project touched communities across the globe with over 500 participants from four countries and several states. This project showed the Teen that youth can have a great influence on our world. She stated, “youth often discount their voice as not being powerful, but this project has shown me that even something that starts off as a simple idea can grow into something much larger.” 

The effect of this project has helped people see that developing global connections is possible through 4-H. Global connections are important for understanding our own communities and empowers us to step out of our comfort zone. Through 4-H, the Webster County Teen gained the leadership and communication skills to execute a project of this magnitude. Individuals around the world came together to complete over 16,000 paper cranes to share the message of hope and understanding.