Molokai 4-H expo exhibits result of hard work

U`i Borden and her husband Frank are on their first year as 4-H Club Leaders. Ku`ulei Pico just steeped in as the Livestock President. They said the children share responsibilities and learn time-management among other things.

“It’s an adult-youth partnership,” Borden said. “Even though you are a parent, you are also a leader.”

Children can join 4-H at five-years-old. At that age they learn to take care of small animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, fishes and turtles. “And them we move them up to another project, like goats,” Borden said. From there they take care of bigger animals such as hogs, and ultimately, horses and steers.

Pico and Borden said it was their turn to become the head of the 4-H club. Pico have been with the program since she was a child, and so Borden’s husband. “We didn’t want the program to dissolve,” Pico said. “To keep it going we needed new leaders … with new ideas.”

And new ideas they had. This is the first year that there was a horse club. Although the horses were not for sale, the children had the chance to show their hard work. “They learn how to ride a horse, how to train a horse, how to groom it and responsibilities,” Pico said.

As for the older children are getting ready to leave for college, “this is a good way for them to save money,” Pico said.

A great display of showmanship as well as responsibility was witnessed at this year’s 4-H Expo. Some of the public walked away with great deals on livestock – some of the hogs sold for as low as $4.00. Be sure not to miss next year’s 4-H expo.

The 4-H symbol is a four-leaf clover. The four Hs represent the head, the heart, the hands and health. The 4-H pledge explains their meaning: “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country and my world.” 

Molokai 4-H is open to all youth from 5-19 years old. If interested in joining the club, please call 567-6388.