Exploring 4-H in Nepal Before the April 2015 Earthquake
Discover the youth-led 4-H organization in Nepal and its impactful programs before the devastating earthquake of April 2015.
4-H in Nepal: A Youth-Led Force of Positive Change
Have you ever wondered about the existence of 4-H in Nepal? Yes, you read it right! Nepal, a country known for its unique flag, also houses a special branch of the global 4-H organization. With a flag that is not rectangular and a dedicated Facebook page, 4-H Nepal is making waves in youth development.
Established as the first organization of its kind in South Asia, 4-H Nepal is a youth-driven, non-governmental, independent, and not-for-profit organization registered under the Nepal Organization Registration Act 1977. With a vision to lead impactful campaigns in various South Asian countries, 4-H Nepal collaborates with the Government of Nepal, private sectors, and civil society to empower youth and drive positive change.
The organization focuses on techniques such as positive youth development, youth-adult partnership, and inspiring approaches to engage young individuals. It aims to promote youth participation in community and national-level activities, with over 600 young volunteers and 13 youth leaders actively involved in driving the mission of 4-H Nepal.
Objectives and Programs of 4-H Nepal
4-H Nepal has set clear objectives to promote a culture where young people are seen as agents of social change. Some of the key objectives include:
- Promoting positive youth development and youth-adult partnership
- Establishing 4-H clubs nationwide to empower young individuals
- Encouraging youth awareness in self-employment through agriculture
- Conducting civic education for youth and preparing them for active citizenship
Within these objectives, 4-H Nepal has implemented various programs to engage and empower the youth community:
National Youth Farmer Entrepreneurship Conference
In July 2016, 4-H Nepal organized a groundbreaking conference that brought together agricultural experts, government representatives, youth leaders, and agricultural students to discuss youth empowerment in agriculture-based entrepreneurship. The event aimed to inspire and educate the next generation of agro-entrepreneurs.
Youth Empowerment Training
With the support of organizations like USAID and Winrock International, 4-H Nepal conducted a 10-day training program on youth empowerment through agriculture-based entrepreneurship development. This initiative provided young agro-entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge to succeed in their ventures.
Socio-Psycho Counseling
Recognizing the mental health needs of young individuals, especially after the traumatic events of the earthquake, 4-H Nepal initiated counseling programs to support school children in coping with fear and mental disturbances. Dr. Chinta Mani Yogi, a renowned Eastern philosopher specializing in mental therapy, led these counseling sessions to help students normalize their activities and regain confidence.
Youth to Youth Sharing Program
By organizing motivation and interaction programs for teachers, parents, and students, 4-H Nepal created a platform for sharing knowledge on nutrition, parenting roles, teaching methods, and educational enhancements. The Youth to Youth program fostered a sense of community and collaboration among different stakeholders.
Impactful Initiatives by 4-H Nepal
In addition to its regular programs, 4-H Nepal actively participates in various national campaigns and events to promote social welfare and community engagement. Some notable initiatives include:
Celebrating Democracy Day
By engaging with stakeholders, political parties, and civil society organizations, 4-H Nepal celebrated Democracy Day, emphasizing the importance of democratic values and citizen participation in governance.
Bagmati River Cleanliness Campaign
Collaborating with the Nepal government's Bagmati cleanliness campaign, 4-Hers joined hands with various organizations to support the initiative. Through coordinated efforts with government bodies and civil society organizations, 4-H Nepal contributed to the environmental conservation cause.
A Glimpse into 4-H's Vision: A Message from President Lok Raj Awasthi
According to President Lok Raj Awasthi, 4-H is dedicated to creating positive change through innovative approaches and models. Focusing on positive youth development, agriculture enhancement, and adult-youth partnerships, 4-H Nepal aims to build capable manpower for the nation while instilling confidence in the youth community.
By emphasizing community development, positive growth, and nurturing children through shared experiences, care, and learning methods, 4-H Nepal envisions a brighter future for younger generations.
If you're interested in learning more about Nepal or engaging with educational initiatives like 4-H programs, reach out to Michigan State University Extension educator Sarah Keinath at [email protected]. Keinath's experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal offers valuable insights into the country's educational landscape.
Remember, 4-H is not just a local phenomenon—it's a global movement that empowers youth to become leaders and change-makers in their communities. Stay tuned for more articles exploring the impact of 4-H around the world!
Hey there, I'm Mohamed Rahat, your go-to writer for all things business and economy. Originally from Mumbai, now rocking it in Navi Mumbai. With a past life at Tata Power Co. Ltd., I'm here to unravel the mysteries of the economic world, one article at a time. Stick around for some mind-bending insights! Connect With Me