The 4 H’s symbolize: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health
4-H symbolizes Head-Heart-Hands-Health. 4-H programs seek to make young people productive, self-directing and contributing members of society through the methodology of “Learning by Dong”. It is part of the Global 4-H Network which could be found in over 50 countries in the world. 4-H programs are based on PYD theory, a relatively new approach which focuses on holistically developing youth through intentional interventions in safe environments which hinges on the three key Inputs (1. Skills for Life 2. Leadership 3. Positive Adult Relationship)
Our Vision
To become a sustainable and innovative organization that empowers young people to reach their full potential.
Our Mission Statement
Provide innovative positive youth development programmes to increase participation and investment in young people.
Our Core Values
• Leadership • Commitment • Integrity • Volunteerism
4-H Ghana 4-H Ghana is a member of the Global 4-H Network, a organization made up of over 50 country 4-H programmes across the world, that uses the positive youth development (PYD) theory for engaging young people. 4-H Ghana like other country programmes such as USA, Canada, South Korea, Tanzania, Gambia, Jamaica etc are independent but uses the PYD theory and have common aspirations.
The PYD model as shown below has been used with various research conducted showing how young people who join 4-H are more likely to contribute to their community and be assertive than their colleagues who have not gone through the 4-H programmes. 4-H programmes seek to make young people self-directing, productive and contributing members of the society as shown on this PYD model;
The model uses experiential and participatory approach in working with young people which explains the 4-H Positive Youth Development. These identify three cycles that young people needs to go through to be successful in life.
THREE KEY INPUTS
Meaning every young person needs skills to be successful in life
Meaning leadership skills are essential for every successful young person in life
Every successful young person might have been mentored by an Adult in life. In 4-H programming, Volunteers are the one who facilitates the youth engagement activities. They serve as caring adults by volunteering their time and other resources to ensure the young people accomplish their set goals.
This output shows that every child that goes through the Three Key Inputs are likely to be equipped with the five 4-H Youth Outcomes called the 5Cs (Confidence, Competence, Caring, Character and Connection)
Every child going through the five Outputs is likely to contribute to him/herself, home, community and country. So the overall outcome is the Contribution to society, which is the 6th C
4-H Clubs through their structured PYD programmes and activities such as their weekly club meetings, project work, LEAD contest, Camps, Empowerment dialogues develop the these competences and becomes empowered to contribute their homes and communities.
Our Pledge
“I promise to work towards becoming a youth with
a clear Head
an open Heart
clever Hands
and a good Health
so help me God”
