Calgary, AB—4-H Alberta is pleased to announce the receipt of over $731,000 in funding from the governments of Alberta and Canada. This funding will expand and enhance our youth programs over the next five years. This investment will support innovative initiatives designed to equip Alberta’s youth with essential skills and knowledge, fostering resilience and leadership within their communities. This announcement is highlighted in a video prepared by the Government of Alberta titled “4-H Funding Announcement.”
The initial announcement broadcast, titled “Seeding agriculture education in Alberta – November 12, 2024,” is available on the Government of Alberta YouTube channel: Link to video.
The funding will be allocated to three key programs:
1. Agriculture Safety and Mental Health Workshop: This unique program focuses on livestock management and farm safety. Participants learn how to manage challenging livestock, develop strategies to remain calm under pressure, and acquire skills for humane animal handling. The program also includes mental health sessions, such as equine therapy. By addressing these critical areas, we aim to enhance farm safety and promote mental well-being among young farmers.
2. Spring Senior Symposium: With this support, we can now include high-level speakers and training sessions that were previously beyond our reach. The symposium will address mental health, strategies for overcoming adversity, and maintaining positive relationships amidst the challenges faced by senior high youth.
3. Intro to 4-H Program: A significant portion of the funding, over 92%, is dedicated to the “Intro to 4-H” club initiative. Building on a successful pilot from last year, this initiative condenses a typical one-year club experience into a concise sampler, targeting a broad urban audience. It aims to teach fundamental skills that highlight 4-H as an excellent platform for building resilient youth, educating urban youth on the importance of agriculture, and encouraging their involvement.
In addition to engaging more youth through 4-H, we aim to share the lessons and resources gained from the “Intro to 4-H” clubs with the broader 4-H community. Existing clubs will benefit from new resources and methodologies to run efficient programs. Furthermore, 4-H Alberta anticipates significant growth in the number of clubs across the province as a direct result of the “Intro to 4-H” club experience. Two new clubs have already been established due to the pilot program, and we expect this momentum to continue building over time.
This initiative was discussed in detail by CEO Kurt Kinnear and Senior Program Coordinator – Intro Clubs, Lori Neilsen at the Provincial Town Hall, held on October 15, 2024 (link to Town Hall YouTube video).
It is important to note that this funding is provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (SCAP) and is only available for new and innovative programs. As such, it would not have been eligible for traditional 4-H programs. While we recognize that some members of the 4-H community may prefer to see this funding directed towards longstanding club programs, the distinction lies in the SCAP mandate to prioritize innovation. This allocation allows us to expand our reach, engage new audiences, and introduce fresh perspectives while ensuring our traditional programs remain well-supported through other funding streams. Our commitment to traditional 4-H programs in Alberta remains steadfast, supported by the $1 million per year the Government of Alberta provides 4-H Alberta to sustain and grow the 4-H community across Alberta.
Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, expressed his support for 4-H Alberta’s initiatives, stating, “Investing in our youth through programs like those offered by 4-H Alberta is crucial for the future of our agricultural communities. These initiatives not only provide valuable skills and knowledge but also foster resilience and leadership among young Albertans. The government’s support underscores our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in agriculture.”
These advancements are made possible through the unwavering support of Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, the Federal Government, and our thousands of volunteers and sponsors across Alberta. Their dedication enables us to encourage greater resilience among our youth and their communities through enhanced programming.
For more information about these programs and how to get involved, please visit our website at www.4hab.com.
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About 4-H Alberta:
Since 1917, 4-H Alberta has been the youth organization of choice for family-friendly youth leadership development, providing first-class and hands-on programming that creates a sense of belonging and connection. The 4-H motto is “Learn to do by Doing,” and we are incredibly proud of the positive impact our programs have on our members and Alberta’s communities. (unitedconservativecaucus.ca)