Premier Declares November to be National 4-H Month

Premier Rodney MacDonald recognized November as National 4-H Month today, Nov. 1, at a proclamation signing with 4-H families, volunteers and supporters.

"Nova Scotia's 4-H program has been a stellar leadership development program for 85 years," said Premier MacDonald. "The program offers young Nova Scotians the chance to learn valuable skills while giving families an outlet to learn and grow together. I am always impressed with the caliber of projects from 4-H members and the confidence, self-esteem and public speaking skills that they demonstrate."

Pictou County 4-H members prepared displays and projects to celebrate the achievements and opportunities 4-H provides for youth and their families at the West River Fire Hall in Pictou County.

Nova Scotia's 4-H program provides young people and adults with the opportunity to develop leadership skills, sportsmanship and technical skills, responsibility and social skills while having fun in a structured family oriented atmosphere.

"The skills youth learn in this program are invaluable for future success in their chosen careers," said Brooke Taylor, Minister of Agriculture. "4-H members will become our agriculture, government, business and civic leaders of the future."

The 4-H program is one of Canada's longest-running and most respected organizations for youth between the ages of 9 and 21. It offers fun and learning for youth in communities across the country. Volunteer leaders help members develop self confidence and learn a wide variety of life skills through hands-on project work.

The 4-H organization involves more than seven million members in 80 countries around the world. There are more than 2,400 members in 85 clubs in Nova Scotia. In 2006, 4-H members completed 4,520 individual projects with the support of 875 leaders. Nova Scotia has the largest 4-H membership east of Ontario and the third largest membership in Canada on a per capita basis.

Activities will be held across the province throughout November. More information about the Nova Scotia 4-H program is available at www.gov.ns.ca/agri/4h .