MYCP - Monroe Youth Challenge Program

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SOS Teens Present International Humanitarian Law at 4-H Statewide Congress

GAINESVILLE (412 words) – Two Seasons of Service teens recently traveled to the University of Florida not to be students but to teach. Alex Halpner, a sophomore at Coral Shores High School, and Noah Sutter, a homeschooled sophomore in Tavernier, were requested to be guest lecturers at the 4-H Statewide Conference held in late July because of their proficiency in presenting American Red Cross International Humanitarian Law (IHL) material to peers and adults.

Both Sutter and Halpner are members of the Seasons of Service Team in the Upper Keys that was started last year as a collaborative effort between Monroe Youth Challenge Program, 4-H and the American Red Cross. The IHL material is part of what they learned in their SOS curriculum last year. At the 4-H Congress the IHL class they taught was one of the workshops offered in seven different categories. The class was capped at 35 attendees. “It was easier to present it there than at the Rotary Youth Ethics conference in Miami because I didn’t know anyone and it was my third time,” said Sutter.

Halpner added, “I think we did a good job. The other students were interested and you could see light bulbs go off – especially when they related to something like the war they see on TV every night.”

4-H officials titled the program “What do you know about HUMAN RIGHTS?” And encouraged students to attend the IHL program and learn to speak out about dignity of human beings and decision making during times of social injustice. Each participant received an American Red Cross certification because it included an overview of the Geneva Conventions and Universal Declaration of Human Rights; offered real world examples that promoted discussion and understanding regarding the role of law in international relations and humanitarian acts. The skills learned prepared students for project demonstrations, school presentations and service learning projects in their own communities.

4-H is sponsored by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Founded in 1902, 4-H works with more than 240,000 rural, suburban and urban youth ages 5-18 in Florida and is active in all 67 counties and the Seminole Tribes. For more information about Florida 4-H, visit www.florida4h.org.

Monroe Youth Challenge Program is a project of the Monroe County Education Foundation to foster acceptance, respect, and success in the youth of Monroe County. For more information about this project or any other MYCP-sponsored program call MYCP District Prevention Coordinator Michele Sutter at (305) 852-1664 or go to www.keysschools.com.