Asia 4-H Network

1. Global 4-H Movement

Worldwide, 4-H programs have taken root in more than 70 countries in America, Europe, Asia, and Africa over the last 100 years. Exchanges, country to country partnership, and regional networks are active. But as a world-wide system or movement, the power of the 4-H model is largely untapped. Recently many countries have received requests and encouragement to explore an alliance of 4-H programs, partners, and individuals who want to share 4-H models, resources and ideas with others. 4-H uniquely positioned to prepare the world’s young people to meet urgent global needs, including hunger, sustainable livelihoods and food security.

In response to the global demands, Korea 4-H Association and National 4-H Council USA are planning to organize the Global 4-H Network. Therefore the two parties signed on Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 4-H Collaboration January in 2011. Korea 4-H Association in Asia, Finnish 4-H in Europe, Tanzania 4-H in Africa, and National 4-H Council USA in America will serve a role in establishing regional 4-H Network. As a first step for Global 4-H Network, “the Asian 4-H Executive Leaders Conference” inviting about 15 Asian emerging countries was held and completed successfully in Korea in December in 2011. Korea also held “the 1st Asia 4-H Network Conference 2012” in August in 2012.

2. Needs of Asia 4-H Network

In 2050, world population will be approximately 15 billion so that people will face problems such as food shortage and quality of living. So in Asia, it is important to maintenance agro-economic and also to nurture rural youth, who will lead a rural society as a leader. 4-H movement will be an appropriate program for supporting that purpose.

As the world’s largest youth development organization, 4-H is investing in young people today to grow a brighter future. With a rich history grounded in agriculture and a focus on developing skills in leadership and innovation, 4-H is positioned to equip young people with the skills they need to meet the demands of a stressed and crowded planet and develop the solutions that will sustain the human race.

The 4-H youth experience includes practical skill building activities, meaningful, leadership roles and connection with a caring adult. The integration of these elements creates a unique positive youth development experience that equips young people for future like success. According to a longitudinal study, 4-H youth attain higher educational achievement and are three times more likely to actively contribute to their communities.

We encourage the Asian community to join us in as ambitious and critical initiative to reach more than 15 Asian countries with high quality positive youth development opportunities. Through this effort, we will empower the Asian young people to take control of their future and build a better world.