4-H E² Workshop Series: Empowering & Engaging Youth: Cultural Awareness
On March 25th, 2017, the 4-H Youth Development Outreach Program hosted their E² Workshop Series: Empowering & Engaging Youth with a focus on Cultural Awareness. The 4-H Program worked alongside their very own 4-H Kosrae Club in conducting this workshop. With the 4-H Kosrae Club in the lead during this event they focused on sharing their islands cultural practices with younger generations.
The E² Workshop Series: Empowering & Engaging Youth presented to 33 youth members that included the 4-H Kosrae youth members and students ranging from kindergarten to tenth grade. This remarkable workshop introduced these young minds to the old practices of the Kosraean people as well as practices that are instilled in every island culture, including their own.
Introducing the workshop with the customary Kosraean practice of pit cooking of a local pig, the youth were intrigued to learn about one of the simplest and most ancient cooking structures on earth. As practiced in most island cultures these young children were able to see first hand the process, steps and ask questions regarding this ancient method. During this presentation the youth learned that, like their cultures and those around them, the similarities we share in local preparation. Lead speaker, Mr. Likiaksa Timothy 4-H Kosrae Club Advisor, spoke highly on the Kosraean traditional practices and was excited to inform and share with the youth about these customs that can still be practiced today.
Following the traditional Kosraean pit cooking, youth members proceeded to the CNAS kitchens to learn about a traditional Kosraean desserts along with accustomed treats that have become part of the Kosraean lifestyle. During this presentation the youth not only learned more similarities between the their own cultures and the Kosraean way of life but they also learned why it is important to continue practicing these rituals. These cultural presentations represented traditional and modern ways of life, and the balance between the two. The youth learned to value their culture and the importance of incorporating such practices in their daily lives.
4-H recognizes that youth today become easily distracted with the fast-paced world around them. With technology modernizing the way we live, cultural practices slowly diminish with the older generations. The 4-H Program understands the value of cultural practices and through its E² Workshop Series: Empowering & Engaging Youth presentations they are building the bridge between youth and cultural awareness for the community. Guam is a melting pot of different cultures, all similar and distinct in their own way. However, through modernization, all of these cultures are getting lost in time. Therefore, 4-H promotes activities and workshops such as these to revive lost practices by stimulating the youth with hands on experiences and practices that’ll not only bring them back to their roots, but bring light to cultural awareness, the acceptance between cultural differences, and the opportunity to rebuild partnerships between youth and caring adults.