By Andrew Roberto
andrew@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
AT a proclamation signing on Saturday, Oct. 4, youth leaders with 4-H Marianas ushered in National 4-H Week alongside Gov. David M. Apatang and other officials.
4-H Marianas is a youth development organization that “provides experiences for young people to learn by doing,” according to its official website. The organization has programs in schools on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Its participants, known as “4-Hers,” work on hands-on community projects that focus on leadership development under the guidance of adult mentors.
One well-known project that spans all three main islands is Camp Magalahi, a summer day camp organized and run by 4-Hers that exposes island youth to cultural activities, educational ecological site visits, and more.
This past week, 4-H Marianas celebrated National 4-H Week with a movie night, online engagement activities, and participation in Northern Marianas College’s Walk and Roll health program on Beach Road.
On Thursday, Oct. 8, the community was invited to join a virtual 4-H Bingo on 4-H Marianas’ Instagram page @4hnmi for a chance to win prizes. On Friday, Oct. 9, 4-Hers will host a roadside waving event at Garapan Fishing Base.
At the proclamation signing, Amy Soliman, a 4-H alumna who participated in the organization as a high school student at Marianas High School, spoke about how the group transforms 4-Hers.
“There’s a significant distinction between work and actions, and 4-H taught me that firsthand. There are many programs under 4-H that can help students gain a variety of skills that will last them a lifetime,” she said.
She highlighted activities such as a bus stop reconstruction project, graphic design, photography and videography workshops, and a plastic waste reduction project on Rota as experiences that positively impacted her and her peers.
“I really want to leave you with the understanding that these experiences create a different kind of confidence and responsibility that students develop within their communities,” she added.
Zion Cabrera, another 4-Her, shared that he first experienced 4-H Marianas as a camper at Camp Magalahi. By age 17, he became its overall lead camp counselor, overseeing activities for hundreds of island youth between the ages of five and 12.
“Through the organization, I have met friends who became like family,” he said. “Aside from the leadership experiences that have shaped who I am, the camaraderie is another benefit. 4-H has helped me grow as a person and a leader. As a counselor, I’ve learned responsibility, patience, and how to guide younger campers so they can have the same amazing experience I had. I see how much this program has helped me grow. It has given me friendships, experiences, and life skills I will carry forever. 4-H is not just an organization; it’s a family and a movement that builds leaders for tomorrow.”
