4-H Canada gives to youth overall health initiative program

4-H Canada is proud to announce a two-year multipartner agreement that supports the emotional and physical well-being of rural youth across Canada through the creation of the 4-H Canada Healthy Living Initiative, beginning in spring 2019.

Employing the 4-H Canada positive youth development approach, the first year of the initiative will see the creation of resources and tools that will support youth facing mental health challenges and communicate how to access resources or recognize when a peer needs support.

The second year of the initiative will focus on physical health, nutrition and well-being. This approach will help support youth, not only in navigating the challenges they face, but offer opportunities to develop their strengths and focus on wellness.

The healthy living initiative is in response to the critical needs of youth in rural communities in Canada. Young people living in rural and remote communities are at greater risk of experiencing struggles related to their mental and physical wellbeing and also lack the resources and services that might be available to those in more urban areas. The goal of this initiative is to support the 25,000 4-H youth members across Canada to lead lives that balance emotional, mental and physical health and remove barriers to access.

As part of the two-year commitment, 4-H Canada will also deliver webinars and workshops and assist in the creation of resources that will be made available for the over 7,700 4-H volunteer leaders that are critical mentors and role models in adult-youth partnerships. These resources will train volunteers and offer resources that help recognize youth in distress and provide the access to support they need. Thanks to the generous support of initiating partner Farm Credit Canada along with UFA Co-operative Limited, Corteva Agriscience™ Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, and Cargill, who have agreed to put over $150,000 collectively toward this ambitious initiative.

“The Healthy Living Initiative means offering youth not only the tools and resources to face challenges, but also opportunities to learn how to thrive,” says Shannon Benner, 4-H Canada CEO. “As a positive youth development organization, 4-H Canada continually strives to understand our members and develop programming that meets their needs. We are truly grateful that so many partners have joined us in helping to create the resources that leaders can use to make a difference in the lives of youth across Canada.”

“This is an investment in young people who will play a large role in shaping the future of Canadian agriculture,” says Michael Hoffort, FCC President and CEO. “To help them reach their full-potential we are supporting a program that contributes to the mental and physical well-being of our next generation of farmers and agribusiness professionals.”

To learn more about 4-H Canada and its commitment to positive youth development visit4-h-canada.ca.