4-H programming is crossing borders and creating permanent positive change in the lives of youths in Guanajuato, Mexico, through Emma Byrne, a lifetime 4-H’er and West Virginia University graduate.

Byrne—the 2011-2012 International 4-H Youth Exchangee (IFYE)— is adding a new chapter to a history book that began in 1986, when the University of Guanajuato in Guanajuato, Mexico, and WVU initiated their education partnership.

Since 2008, several 4-H exchanges have occurred between the two institutions, with 4-H’ers going to Guanajuato and many students from Guanajuato coming to Morgantown.

But Byrne’s journey is unlike any in the past.

Assisting 5 High Schools

This IFYE’s challenge is not to adapt to life among a variety of rural host families. Instead, the young educator is adapting 4-H programming to meet the needs of students in five high schools in the Guanajuato system.

Byrne, who earned her master’s degree in secondary education in May, is working with principals, superintendents and teachers to plan, implement and sustain programs focused on student leadership, community service, agricultural education and economic development.

“One great thing about 4-H is that it is very flexible and the perfect vehicle to deliver whatever educational material you want and that is necessary for a population,” Byrne explained.

Besides drawing from her formal education at WVU, the pioneering IFYE is also relying on her wealth of 4-H experience.

The Shepherdstown native has been active in 4-H since she was 9 years old. Her 4-H career includes serving as a camping instructor at WVU Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp in Lewis County and working with Extension’s Global Education Team.

Byrne, who left West Virginia Sept. 8 and will return March 7, also hopes to improve her Spanish language skills and be useful in the Guanajuato community while immersing herself in the Mexican culture with the help of her host family.

Will Tour W.Va.

Upon her return, she will travel across West Virginia and speak at schools, 4-H Clubs and a variety of service organizations to discuss her experiences.

Byrne’s trip is a stepping stone to reaching other states in Mexico, according to Rich Fleisher, WVU Extension Service specialist and associate professor for global and poverty education. He serves as a co-chair of the Global Education Team and coordinates WVU Extension’s IFYE program.

Byrne and Fleisher both agree that the focus is on the current goal: creating and implementing successful 4-H programming in Guanajuato and bringing students from Guanajuato to West Virginia to share new experiences.

“I am fully confident that 4-H is on the edge of youth development programming— having resources and knowing how to be international ambassadors. West Virginia is a great fit for Mexico.

“The cultures are very similar—focusing on family, agriculture and the need to build economic opportunity to keep people in their communities. It’s wonderful that we can work together in our shared strengths and weaknesses to propel both areas forward,” Byrne said.

Follow Byrne and her progress on her blog.

Learn more about WVU Extension Service’s role in bringing 4-H youth development and global education together.

—WVU-ES—

eb/fsm—10/27/11