Wednesday 4 December 2013

St. Ann 4-H Leader's Association Church Service

St. Ann 4-H kicked off it's annual Leader's Week with a church service held at Brown's Town Methodist Church on November 24. Leaders and clubbites from around the parish were in attendance.

Mr. Chin, Leader's Assoc. President, and clubbites lead the church in the 4-H pledge.

Leaders and clubbites from around the parish were in attendance.

Parish manager, Mr. Gordon, and fellow Leader's Assoc. executives were in attendance.





Tuesday 19 November 2013

Retreat 4-H Youth Club Pageant

Retreat 4-H Youth Club will be hosting a Mini Miss Pageant on Saturday, November 30 at the Retreat Community Centre beginning at 4PM. Area 4-H members are encouraged to attend. More information can be found here.

Thursday 7 November 2013

St. Ann 4-H Crop of the Year: ORANGE

Leaders and Clubbites, please be advised that the crop of the year is orange, not june plum as some have thought. The crop of the year is to be used in agroprocessing endeavors: juice, jam, marmalade, wine, vinegar, preserves, etc.

Good luck to clubbites!

Monday 4 November 2013

International Coastal Cleanup Day 2013

St. Ann 4-H participated in International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 21, 2013. Members of the Retreat 4-H Youth Club helped clean up Priory Beach near St. Ann's Bay. We are grateful for the chance to help beautify and protect Jamaica's natural wonders!

PDO Mr. Gordon and Retreat 4-H Youth Club members walk along Priory Beach in search of rubbish.

Look at all the trash collected!

Participants collected several trucks full of trash from the beach.

Retreat 4-H Youth Club members and ICC coordinators pose for a photo.
St. Ann 4-H is pleased to support environmental clean-up and climate change action.

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Climate Change Action Training in Retreat, St. Ann

In August, members of the Retreat Youth Club became Climate Change Agents. They spent a seven days being trained in climate change issues and how to become advocates for climate change awareness. They were trained by facilitators Tedroy Gordon (St. Ann 4-H Parish Development Officer) and Sarah Marshall (Peace Corps Volunteer with ACDI/VOCA), assisted by Elizabeth Riley (Peace Corps Volunteer with St. Ann 4-H). Youth Club members planned a group project addressing solid waste management in the community.


Big thanks to Retreat Early Childhood Education Centre for hosting us!
Sarah works with groups to create a team name.

Participants working together in groups to come up with climate change mitigation strategies.

Participants presenting objectives of proposed projects.

Work hard, play hard. Participants even found a little time for some fun team building activities.

Facilitators and group favorites Mr. Gordon and Sarah performing a role play activity to demonstrate community action.

At the end of the training, participants reported an increased knowledge of the effects of climate change, several adaptation and mitigation strategies, how to mobilize for community action, and now have the framework to apply for funding and carry out a climate change project in the community of Retreat. Thanks to ACDI/VOCA for the funding and facilitation of this training!

Thursday 6 June 2013

Youth in Agriculture 2013

NATIONAL YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE PROGRAMME

HANDBOOK 2013



























NATIONAL YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE PROGRAMME

BACKGROUND

In keeping with the country’s need to revitalize youth involvement in Agriculture to enhance food security for the future, The National Youth in Agriculture (NYIA) Committee was established in 1990 and merged with RADA’s School Agricultural Programme in 1998; to make plans and implement various activities for youth involvement in agriculture. The thrust of the programme is to encourage the involvement of young persons in the study and subsequent practice of Agriculture and to see Agriculture as a viable career choice.

Since May 1, 2008, the Jamaica 4-H Clubs has been entrusted with the mandate to spearhead this programme.

Through educational activities, competitive events and School Garden Programmes, this joint initiative seeks to achieve its intended goal.

Age Group Categories

 

Category 1  (Ages 9 –12 years)

 

Category 2      (Ages 13-17 years)

 

Category 3      Tertiary, Vocational, Post Secondary, Community Clubs




Prizes

Prize money will be awarded to each member of the winning team, with additional prize money for the runners up. The winning team will also be awarded a Trophy.
Prizes (same for all competitions except where otherwise stated):
1st prize: $3,200 and a trophy
2nd prize: $2,200 and a certificate
3rd prize: $1,500 and a certificate



Please note that participants are only to enter ONE Competitive event on the day. EXCEPT FOR ESSAY which is prejudged











YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE AWARD

Each year scholarships covering tuition, and accommodation are offered for students to pursue studies in Agriculture & Environment at The College of Agriculture, Science and Education, University of Technology & University of the West Indies. Also Bursaries to: Sydney Pagan & Knockalva Agricultural Schools

Requirements
·         Applicants must enter (and be placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd)  essay or poster competitions and one other youth in agriculture 2013 competitive events. Entrants in the JAS Farm Queen Competition are also be eligible.
·         Applicants must be accepted for admission to the 2013/2014 academic year at the relevant intuition.
·         Applicants must satisfy an interview conducted by the National Youth in Agriculture Committee.

Application Forms - may be collected at any 4-H Offices



CHAMPION SCHOOL/CLUB AWARD

Category: Open

Criteria: The School/Club/group with the most winners in the various competitions.

Prize: $15,000.00  & Input Support/Implementation of School /Club Garden. The National Youth in Agriculture/Schools Agriculture Programme Championship Trophy


TEACHERS’ INCENTIVE AWARD

Criteria:
a) The teacher must be actively involved in the preparation of participants for the National Youth in Agriculture Programme.
 b) Motivate at least twenty students to enter the competition and to participate on the day of the show.
 c) Achieve the most winning entries.

Prizes:
1st prize: Education Grant and a trophy
2nd prize: Education Grant and a certificate



EVENT- SCHOOL GARDEN COMPETITION

Category: Open

Criteria: gardens will be judged generally on the efficient use of land, modern farming techniques; environmental impact, cultural practices, skills management of farm, field sanitation and record keeping.

Prizes will be awarded by sponsors FAO/MOAF at World Food Day celebration in October 2013 EVENT- CIRCUMPOSING OF PLANTS

CATEGORY- two

OBJECTIVES

1. To develop in our youth a skill that can be employed throughout life
2.  To develop an appreciation for the preservation of the plant species
3.  To develop a cadre of plant propagators

GUIDELINES
a.       Competitors will be provided with plants
b.      Competitors are required to take the following:
-          Budding knife or appropriate knife
-          Secateur  (Roll Cut)  
-          Plastic bags (preferably transparent)
-          Saw dust, coir dust
-          Cord or tape
c.       SHARING OF TOOLS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED
d.      Competitors will be questioned on the procedures as well as general information on Circumposing
e.       Competitors will be required to demonstrate the Circumposing process on the plant
f.       Competitors should exhibit knowledge of plant propagation terms and other methods of vegetative propagation
g.       Competitors should be able to tell the advantages and/or disadvantages (if any) of this method of plant propagation



EVENT – RABBIT CARE & MANAGEMENT

CATEGORY – One

OBJECTIVES
1.      To promote a worthwhile leisure activity for youth
2.      To promote the growth and development of the rabbit industry
3.      To present rabbit rearing as a viable enterprise

GUIDELINES
a.         Competitors should know the different breeds and types of rabbits.
b.         Competitors should be able to label the external body parts.
c.         Competitors should be knowledgeable about:
-          Nutrition
-          -Diseases
-          Housing
-          Breeding
-          Record Keeping
d.         Competitors should be able to identify suitable stock.
e.         Economic uses
 Meat
(Craft, Leather, other)
EVENT- BUDDING

CATEGORY -two

OBJECTIVES

1.      To increase the fruit tree population
2.      To develop a cadre of budding and grafting experts
3.      To develop an appreciation for the preservation of plant species

GUIDELINES
 
  1. Competitors will be provided with stock plant, bud wood and budding tape
  2. Competitors are required to take the following:
-          Budding or appropriate knife
-          Secuteur (Roll Cut) or Pruning shear

  1. Sharing of tools will not be allowed
  2. Competitors will be questioned on the different procedures as well as general information on Budding
  3. Competitors will be required to demonstrate at least one Budding Technique
  4. Competitors should exhibit knowledge of plant propagation terms and other methods of vegetable propagation.
  5. Competitors should be aware of the benefits to agricultural development, orchard development, standardization and economic attributes





EVENT- GOAT CARE AND MANAGEMENT

CATEGORY - two

OBJECTIVES
  • To promote the further growth and development of the goat industry
  • To promote the byproducts of goats
  • To present goat rearing as a viable enterprise

    GUIDELINES
a.       Competitors should know the different breeds and types of goats
b.      Competitors should be able to label the external body parts of the animal
c.       Competitors should be able to identify suitable stocks
d.      Economic uses of goats:
-          Milk
-          Meat
-          Skin (leather, craft)
e.       Competitors should be knowledgeable of the diseases affecting goats
f.       Competitors should be knowledgeable of different feeds
g.       Competitors should be knowledgeable about housing, record-keeping etc.
EVENT- CATTLE JUDGING- (BEEF)

CATEGORY- OPEN

OBJECTIVES
1.      To promote the importance of cattle rearing to the agricultural sector
2.      To encourage youth to see cattle rearing as a viable business
3.      To introduce youth to the husbandry practices involved in cattle rearing
4.      To prepare competitiors to be able to recognize suitable animals

GUIDELINES
a.       Animals for judging will be provided
b.       Competitors should be able to label the different body parts of beef animals
c.       Competitors should be knowledgeable about the qualities of good beef-type cattle
d.       Participants will be required to grade animals based on desirable characteristics
e.       Participants should know:
-       Different breeds and features
-       Cattle husbandry
-       Methods of rearing
-       Pest and diseases that affect cattle
         f.       Economic Uses
                        -     Meat
                        -    Leather



EVENT:          SEEDBED PREPARATION

CATEGORY: ONE

Objectives:
  1. To educate youth on the importance of Seed Beds
  2. To enhance skills in the preparation of seed beds
  3. To highlight appropriate tools used in seed bed preparation

Guidelines:
  • Competitors must take tools to demonstrate skill and knowledge in seedbed preparation.
  • Sharing of tools will not be allowed
  • Competitors will answer questions in the following areas
    • Suitable soil used for seedbed preparation
    • Advantages of seed beds
    • Types of seedbed
    • Dimension for seed bed
    • Tools used in seedbed preparation
  • Competitors will be required to demonstrate the preparation of a seed bed





EVENT:          PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION


CATEGORY : 1, 2 & 3

OBJECTIVES
  1. To encourage participants to learn the art of public speaking
  2. To encourage youth to express themselves publicly
  3. To stimulate the art of preparation for public presentation

GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPANTS IN THE COMPETITION
a.                   A school or group can enter one (1) team three comprising (3) persons
b.                  Each team of should speak for no more than 10 minutes in total. The 10 minutes can be broken down as follows:
a.       Chairman                                 -           3 minutes
b.      Keynote Speaker                     -           5 minutes
c.       Mover of Vote of Thanks        -           2 minutes
d.      The Chairman will lead the proceedings and will be required to do opening and introduction of the speaker and also introduction of the Mover of vote of thanks within the allotted 3 minutes. The Keynote speaker can be more but not less than 5 minutes. It means therefore that team members must keep track of the time to adjust to completing the presentation within the allotted 10 minutes for the team. NB.  One point will be deducted for every minute over the allotted 10 minutes.
c.                   The topic shall be Youth Involvement in Agriculture for Food Security & Economic Growth”
d.                  Contest must be done in public and will be judged by a panel of judges whose decisions will be final.
e.                   Competitors will be judged using the following guide:
a.      Facts
b.      Organization and presentation- flow, voice, audibility
c.       Language and fluency-Pace, diction Use of idiom etc
d.      Personality –stage presence, visual impact, performance
e.       Conviction- believalibility
f.        Timing


Suggested Key elements are:-
Ø  A coherently presented argument with good and varied content
Ø  Referencing the topic
Ø  Demonstrating an ability to think on one’s feet
Ø  Injection of humour
Ø  Audibility
Ø  Rapport with the audience
Ø  Presence on platform
Ø  Appropriate use of props

Teams should arrive by 9:00 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. start

 

 

 



EVENT:                      ESSAY COMPETITION

CATEGORY: 1, 2, & 3
Entries according to age categories.

Script must be submitted no later than July 15, 2013 to address printed on this brochure. 
All  essays will become the property of the National Youth in Agriculture Programme after entry.

Guidelines:
1        Essay should be between 500-600 words. Do not exceed the given limit.
2        Indicate the word count on the last page of the entry.
3        Competitors should interpret and research the theme.  Entry will be disqualified for plagiarism.
4        Entry must have a Title Page, Bibliography or Reference Page.
5        Essay should be typed with 1 ½ line spacing in Times New Roman font size 12 on plain un-ruled A4 paper.
6        Entry should be submitted in triplicate.
7        Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
a.       Content
b.      Originality and pertinence to Youth  in Agriculture Theme
c.       Evidence and Accuracy of Research
d.      Structure and Organization of Ideas
e.       Use of Language and Mechanics
f.       Overall Style and Presentation
8        Make sure that all pages are clearly numbered.
..


EVENT:          AGRICULTURE QUIZ COMPETITION

Category:  1, 2, & 3
Entries according to age categories.

Criteria: This will be a team competition with four participants per school, club or community group.
Questions will encompass Agricultural Technology, Plant Propagation, Vegetable Production, Pesticide Management. Livestock Production, Soil Conservation


Round 1: Teams will be  questioned alternately for five minutes.

Round 2: Each team is questioned for three minutes. (One minute alternately). Teams will answer as many questions as possible in the time allotted.

Round 3: 10 minutes free-for-all section. First team to press the buzzer will be selected to answer the questions if teams answer correctly they will receive two points. However, two points will be deducted for an incorrect answer or if the team fails to respond within fifteen seconds of being identified. This competition will be staged at Denbigh on August 05, 2013






EVENT – SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

CATEGORY – OPEN

OBJECTIVES
  • To educate youth on proper solid waste systems.
  • To encourage youth to keep their surroundings clean.
  • To highlight the hazards of improper solid waste management.

RULES: - Participants must bring evidence of their participation in a Solid Waste Management Project.

·         Competitors will answer questions in the following areas as related to solid waste
-          Hazards
-          Benefits of Management
-          Types of solid waste
-          Pollution etc.
           
·           Suggest ways to improve Solid Waste Management in their surroundings/communities using:
-          Methods
-          Diagrams
-          Recycling
-          Disposal
-          Public Education
·                     Competitor must have record of project and a 30” x 36” model


EVENT – SOIL CONSERVATION

CATEGORY – OPEN

OBJECTIVES
  • To educate youth on importance of Soil Conservation.
  • To create awareness of methods of soil conservation.
  • To highlight the hazards of improper soil conservation methods.

Guidelines:
  • Competitors must provide evidence of their participation in soil Conservation Project/activity. Competitor must have record of project and a 30” x 36” model
  • Competitors will answer questions in the following areas as related to Soil Conservation
    • Hazards
    • Benefits/importance
    • Methods
  • Competitors must suggest ways to improve Soil Conservation  in their surroundings/communities

 

 

 

 

EVENT:          PACKED LUNCH BOX IDEA


This competition aims to encourage the preparation of healthy lunch and snack for school children. It focuses on the use of fresh local produce to prepare and present economical food items.  Participants are expected to present a packed lunch box which can be prepared from home for a child to take to school. The presentation should include snack item(s) for break period as well as lunch.

Guidelines
1.      Indigenous foods from your parish should be used to create the food items. The lunch box should contain but not be limited to:
·         Protein – animal or plant source
·         Staple/Starch
·         Vegetables
·         Fruit
·         Cold Non-Alcoholic Beverage and water

2.      The food items should be appropriately packaged to preserve food quality and nutrient content and be visually appealing.
3.      Keep extra salty and sugary dishes to a minimum.
4.      Items must be properly labeled with clear instructions for use where necessary.
5.      Ensure that food items are economical and processing measures cost effective.
6.      The packaged lunch idea must be presented with a written explanation (pamphlet, leaflet, recipes etc) of the production/preparation process.
7.      A tasting tray must be set for the judges (with suitable appointments to taste the products).