By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter)

Multi-partner investment in 4-H to help youth thrive in rural communities

Nov 20, 2018 | 11:49 PM

OTTAWA — A two-year multi-partner agreement t0 support the emotional and physical well-being of rural youth across Canada will aid the creation of the 4-H Canada Healthy Living Initiative. 

The initiative, which begins in spring 2019, is in response to critical needs of rural youth and will utilize the 4-H Canada positive youth development approach.

The first year of the initiative will see the creation of resources and tools that will support youth facing mental health challenges and facilitate access to the resources when a peer requires support.   

The second year will focus on physical health, nutrition and well-being, to help youth navigate life challenges and offer opportunities to develop their strengths and focus on wellness.

Data has shown that young people living in rural and remote communities contend with greater mental and physical well-being struggles but, don’t have access to services and resources that are typically available in urban centres.  The goal is to remove barriers to support and help the 25,000 4-H youth participants across the country, achieve balanced emotional, mental and physical health.

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As part of the two-year commitment, 4-H Canada will deliver webinars and workshops and help create resources for the more than 7,700 4-H volunteer leaders who are critical mentors and role models in adult-youth partnerships. 

To support the ambitious undertaking, 4-H has partnered with Farm Credit Canada (FCC), UFA Co-operative Limited, Corteva Agriscience (Agriculture Division of DowDuPont) and Cargill. Collectively, the agriculture businesses will provide more than $150,000 for program funding.

4-H Canada CEO, Shannon Benner, sees the Healthy Living Initiative as an opportunity for young people to not only access resources but, to also learn how to thrive.

“As a positive youth development organization, 4-H Canada continually strives to understand our members and develop programming that meets their needs. We are truly grateful that so many partners have joined us in helping to create the resources that leaders can use to make a difference in the lives of youth across Canada.”

FCC President and CEO, Micheal Hoffort, sees the partnership as an investment in young people who will play a large role in shaping the future of Canadian agriculture. 

“To help them reach their full-potential we are supporting a program that contributes to the mental and physical well-being of our next generation of farmers and agribusiness professionals.”

To learn more about 4-H Canada and its commitment to positive youth development visit 4-h-canada.ca, where the goal is to help young Canadians “Learn To Do By Doing” in a safe, inclusive and fun environment, by nurturing responsible, caring and contributing youth leaders who are committed to positively impacting their communities across Canada and around the world.