Carman Collegiate graduate and local 4-H member Kiera Johnston will attend the Manitoba York Beninaru Foundation Japan Homestay exchange in Japan from July 6 to 22.
Johnston started in 4-H ten years ago and had heard about the program through different community members who had also been involved in the past. So, she decided to try it out.
For over 100 years, 4-H has been one of the most highly respected youth organizations in Canada. The organization comprises 23,000 youth members aged 6 to 25 and 8,700 volunteers in 1,800 clubs across Canada.
“I went to my first meeting and really enjoyed it,” said Johnston. “It was nice to meet some new people who were also interested in agriculture, and I haven’t looked back since. It’s been a good time, and I’ve met lots of unique people from across Canada. I’ve attended meetings and served on the board of my local 4-H club and volunteered lots in the community, which has been really good.”
Johnston, nine other senior 4-H members, and two chaperones will now be heading to Japan in July. They will spend the first week touring Japan and experiencing the culture before being placed in separate homes with host families for the second week.
“I am looking forward to the new experience and learning that is involved with this opportunity.”
They will attend a local school with a Japanese student during the time with the host families.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity and the chance I have to experience life in a new part of the world,” said Johnston. “I have always loved travelling, and I’m very grateful for 4-H Manitoba and the York Benimaru Foundation, as well as this amazing opportunity to broaden my worldview and understanding of others.”
Another local 4-H member, Nora Pinkerton, is also going on a 4-H trip. Pinkerton, a Grade 8 student at Carman Collegiate, is looking forward to her upcoming trip to Alberta from Aug. 5-10.
Pinkerton’s trip to Alberta will have different activities for her and other 4-Hers, including art, outdoor living, and science.
“4-H is a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and make a difference in your community,” said Nora Pinkerton. “There are lots of different projects to pick from, including cooking, art, agriculture, photography, and more. 4H clubs are all around the province. And Roland is the home of 4H and we hold our registration every fall.”
Anyone interested can join 4-H by going to the 4-H Manitoba website and finding a club near them. Many clubs will be starting up again in the fall, so now is a good time to inquire about joining for the upcoming year.
