4-H IFYE ambassador in Meeker, seeks hosts

MEEKER I Last week, the CSU Extension Office in Meeker hosted Jennifer Johnston with the 4-H IFYE Program. IFYE, or International 4-H Youth Exchange, is an international exchange program where participants ages 19-30 visit a foreign country for three to six months, living and working with host families, gaining a unique perspective about other cultures.

Johnston is from Pueblo County and was an active 4-H member for 10 years, participating in dog training and vet science. She served as a 4-H volunteer for seven years acting as a camp counselor and chaperone as well as a 4-H Cloverbud leader for two years. She was part of CSU’s President’s Leadership Program and served as the editor of CSU-Pueblo’s Tempered Steel.
This past year, Jennifer traveled around Europe with the IFYE program, living in Northern Ireland, Wales and England.
During her trip to Meeker, she visited Meeker Elementary School and presented to first- and second-grade students who learned about the different cultures, European history and geography as well listened to exciting stories from Johnston’s trip.
That evening, Johnston presented at the Meeker Town Council meeting, where she shared more details of her trip and answered questions surrounding the program and her adventures.
Colorado State University is looking for host families for the IFYE Program, specifically in agricultural areas along the Western Slope, to house exchange students. If you are interested in hosting an IFYE Exchange student, please contact Carley at the Extension Office.