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PUTNAM NEWS
Local 4-H'er travels to Europe as part of youth exchange
PUTNAM COUNTY -- West Virginia's 2008-2009 International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) representative Emily Evert will be the eyes and ears for those in Putnam County and others throughout the Mountain State wanting to learn about European life.
Currently living in Germany until Dec. 8, 22-year-old Evert is staying with different rural families where she joins in their daily routines and occasionally speaks to local youth and school groups. While she learns about German and Austrian culture, she is teaching her hosts about America.
Upon her return to the states in January 2009, Evert, a Hampshire County 4-H'er, will begin a six-month tour of West Virginia where she will speak at schools and 4-H club meetings about her experience abroad.
Christina Bush, Putnam County 4-H agent, is eager for Evert's return because she says that means a great learning opportunity for area club members and the community as well.
"It's a great way to experience life in another country without leaving the county," Bush said as she recalled her own experiences meeting other IFYE reps during her own youth. Bush hopes to schedule a forum in the spring and invite clubs and the community to take part in learning from Evert's travels.
To date, there has not been an IFYE representative from Putnam County. Bush hopes to see that change. "It's such a privilege and great learning opportunity to be a part of this international program and I'm hopeful that Emily's visits with our clubs will encourage someone from our county to consider becoming an IFYE rep."
Though there is some expense involved, Bush said that fundraisers can be coordinated to help cover the cost.
Evert has participated for 15 years in 4-H activities including winning Hampshire County Fair 4-H awards, being an exchange camper to Grant and Preston county 4-H camps, participating in state 4-H camps at WVU's Jackson's Mill, serving as a WVU Extension camping instructor and developing lasting relationships with friends around the state.
Bush said that Evert's background and attitude have made her an excellent representative for 4-H as well as the state of West Virginia and she expects that she'll do a good job in relaying her encounters to others during her tour.
"4-H is a life-changing experience," Evert said, admitting that as a youngster she "never thought it (4-H) was this powerful." Putting her career on hold in May following the receipt of her bachelor's degree in medical technology from West Virginia University, Evert said she was looking for "something different," adding that this type of travel and service is something she's always wanted to do.
Bush says that in the end, the goal is to, "Create more awareness of 4-H as a civil responsibility and leadership program in addition to the livestock component. And this international program is just one more way to do that."
In a weekly column written by Governor Joe Manchin, he commented recently that, "4-H has produced many outstanding citizens who have contributed not just in West Virginia, but across our country. I am particularly impressed with the longevity this program has had on West Virginia communities and the state as a whole. The 4-H students have even used their experience as a foundation to do more positive things once they reach adulthood."
For more information about the IFYE program or other 4-H activities, contact Christina Bush, 4-H Agent with the Putnam County Office of the WVU Extension Service, at 304-586-0217, or visit their office at 3389 Winfield Road in Winfield.
