Barbados 4-H
About 4-H Barbados.
4-H is a youth development organization that works with young persons between the ages of 4 and 25 to give them the tools they need to become responsible, productive citizens. The 4-H programs teach youth the importance of giving back to their communities and provide them with the life skills they need to become impactful leaders. 4-H stands for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, representing the four values that its members dedicate themselves to through their activities. These values are clearer thinking, greater loyalty, larger service, and better living.
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4-H Barbados' motto is "To Make the Best Better." The 4-H Fourward Curriculum for 2023 allows members of the 4-H clubs to be exposed to projects and activities from at least two of four different subject areas. Learn more about the 4-H Fourward Program here.
4-H Origin & History
The 4-H program began in the United States in 1901 as corn and canning clubs which were meant to increase the interest of rural boys and girls in agriculture and home economics. The clubs were not referred to as 4-H clubs at the time. In 1909 the four leaf clover was first used in Iowa state as an award to boys and girls for school attendance or achievements in agricultural or domestic science project work and was officially accepted in 1911. In 1914 the United States Congress passed the Smith Lever Act which gave rise to a National Co-operative Extension Service that was responsible for administering the work for members of the 4-H program. The Barbados 4-H Foundation was formed in 1982 and operated in collaboration with the Government of Barbados and private organizations.