According to the U.S. Department of Education International Strategy Report (2012-2016), in order for youth to succeed in the 21st century workplace, they must develop knowledge and understanding of other countries, cultures, languages and perspectives. The overall mission of 4-H is to provide opportunities for youth and adults to work together to create sustainable community change. This is accomplished within the use of three primary content areas, or mission mandates, -citizenship, healthy living, and science. The 4-H Citizenship Mandate places emphasis on young people being engaged and active members of their community, country, and world. Citizenship is the foundation needed to help youth gain a broader understanding of life.

In an effort to provide a new program during COVID restrictions, the opportunity to visit and experience foreign countries virtually was offered to the youth of Pulaski County.  12 youth ages 9-13 registered for the Pulaski County International Virtual Experience: A 5 Week Series.  

During these five weeks, meetings would be held each Thursday and youth would join via Zoom to “visit” a different country.  Using the newly developed KY 4-H Global Education lessons for Mexico and Scandinavia, and the International Foods Curriculum for Italy, Germany and Mexico, youth prepared cultural dishes in their own kitchens along with small cultural crafts to replicate important pieces of the country that was visited that evening.

Youth were provided nearly all art supplies in a kit along with a “passport” that outlined the six weeks with the recipes of the dishes that we would prepare together.  This passport created by Jennifer Cole also served as their record book for them to record their experiences during the 5 weeks.

Overall, these youth experienced new cultures during a difficult time of programming and when situations in the world are not ideal.  They learned to appreciate cultures that are different from their own and the accomplishments that these cultures have made.  It was also a time for youth and parents to spend time with one another and bond.

While visiting Italy, youth learned how to create their very own antipasto tray.

  While visiting Scandinavia, youth learned about their tradition of gnomes and created their very own.

Photo of kits provided to all youth.