top of page

Dominica 4H Leaders Guide

 

What is 4H?

 

The Youth Development Division in Roseau offers 4-H as an educational, recreational and pre vocational programme. It is an informal programme to supplement the home, school and church. 4H provides youth with the opportunity to learn skills through projects such as gardening, rabbitry and cooking. Other 4H activities include; public speaking, singing, drama, project demonstrations and community service activities. The 4H Club provides an opportunity to teach "LIFE SKILLS" to help youths for maturity, responsibility, productivity and good citizens of the country of Dominica.

Who Can Belong to 4H?

 

The Junior 4H Club are for boys and girls ages 9-15 in Roseau as well as other villages in Dominica. Senior 4H Clubs are for boys and girls ages 15 and over. Some of these older youth may assume leadership roles with Junior 4H Clubs.

 

Who Provides The  Leadership To The Youth?

 

Often Teachers serve as the leaders, but leaders can be parents or other adults in the community, church or school who have an interest in working with youths.

 

What Is The Role Of A 4H Leader?

 

The leader is the person providing overall organization and guidance to the club. A leader teaches the principles of conducting meetings, planning programmes and often teaches a project skill such as gardening. A leader shows concern for youth. He or she provides a friendly smile, a pat on the back and new responsibilities. The leader praises youth when they have made progress and significant accomplishments.

 

What Is The Role Of An Assistant 4H Leader?

 

This is the person who fills in during the absence of the leader. The Assistant Leader assists in club organization and teaches 4H projects when the leader is unavailable.

 

What Is The Role Of A Project Leader?

 

A 4H leader teaches one of the 4H projects to the boys and girls of the club.

 

Where Do 4H Leaders Get Assistance?

 

The youth officer in your district serves as a Consultant/Counsellor and Educator in the planning and conducting of a 4H Club Programme. Technical help is available from both the Youth Officer and the Agricultural Officer and the 4H Co-ordinator.

Supplies and materials are usually provided locally. Many clubs have fund raising efforts to buy the necessary supplies. Additional resources may be available fom the Youth Development within budget constraints.

 

What Are The Major Events That 4H Leaders Should Take Part In?

 

  • Junior Leaders Training Days

  • World Food Day Activities

  • Independence Celebrations

  • Project Ideas Workshops

  • 4H Leaders Training Programme

  • 4H Leader Association Meeting (the Association of all Dominican 4H Leaders)

  • District Festivals and Competitions

  • 4H Week

  • Other programmes of the Youth Division such as Programme Planning Leadership Courses and other workshops.

 

What Is The Usual Structure Of A 4H Meeting?

 

Most general 4H meetings have a structured agenda, but other meetings may take place in the 4H garden or elsewhere. Project work is usually conducted at a different meeting.

 

Suggested Agenda:

Prayer (Optional)

4H Pledge

Roll Call/Attendance

Business Meeting

Secretary's Report

Treasurer's Report

New Business or Club Discussions

Educational Demonstration or Lecture

 

Community Service Projects.

 

Most 4H Clubs undertake at least one community service project to improve the well being of the community. Examples of possible community projects are:

  • Village Clean Up

  • Painting and putting up identification signs in villages

  • Improvement of community facilities

  • Care for the aged

 

History of the 4H Movement in Dominica

 

The 4H Movement is not new to Dominica or Dominicans, since the programme was introduced to the West Indian Islands as early as 1940 when the first club was formed in Jamaica. Since that date, continuous progress has been made and the organization is now recognized as the most effective youth movement in the rual areas in Jamaica. As a result of the successful establishment of the movement in Jamaica, the 4H Clubs have been formed in other parts of the West Indies including Dominica.

 

 

Selection of 4H Projects

 

Several factors shoud be considered when selecting a 4H Project.

  1. First, one needs to consider the interests of the youth.

  2. Secondly, the needs of home and community shoud be considered. Another essential facto is that;

  3. There needs to be a leader who can tach the project skills.

 

Most 4H projects emphasize "Learning by Doing," so for example if there is a vegetable garden, there must be a plot of and, seeds and tools made available. It is also important that the parents are informed and involved. Parental support is important for a successful 4H Programme. The formation of a 'Village Parent Committee' to assist with 4H Clubs could be a great help.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bottom of page