Vermilion 4-H Jr. Leaders Experience Heifer Ranch Global Village

In a complex world of nearly 7 billion people, how can we find solutions to the challenges of hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation? Through immersing yourself in Heifer’s Global Village, you will have the opportunity to experience lifestyles from around the world, and begin to answer this question for yourself. You will explore your cultural identity and discuss similarities within the global community while examining issues of population, resource distribution, quality of life and standard of living. By preparing your own dinner, breakfast, and participating in daily chores similar to those that Heifer’s Project Partners perform each day, we hope you will be inspired to take action in your own life that will positively impact the environment and the world around you.

The Vermilion Parish 4-H Jr. Leader Club focused on hunger awareness for their community service learning project for the year. Club members listened to guest speakers and participated in several community projects during the year. As an end of the year trip the club traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas to participate in Heifer’s Global Village.

The club traveled to Heifer’s Global Village April 21-22, 2014 during their educational trip. Thirty-seven Jr. Leaders, two 4-H agents, and four volunteer leaders were randomly assigned to experience what it would be like to spend the night in a home in Guatemala, Zambia, Tibet, Thailand, Appalachia, an urban slum or a refugee camp. Resources were divided based on the relative wealth of the “family,” and the part of the world represented in the assigned home. You may have to trade labor, barter food or figure out others ways to acquire what you need if you are to have a full meal for dinner. (Submitted by: Marcus Broussard, Jr. Leader Reporter)