YOUTH ON THE MOVE

PALMER — On June 16, 29 American youth, Wyoming State 4-H Club specialists and five adult chaperons embarked on a long journey to Mongolia for a leadership program with the Mongolian 4-H Youth Organization.

Youth from the 13 Western states of the land-grant universities’ Cooperative Extension Service were selected to participate through an application and interview process. Finalists from Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming were selected.

I live in Chugiak and was one of three Alaskans participating in the exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The other two Alaskans were Kira O’Donoghue, a teen from Fairbanks, and Peter Stortz, an adult chaperon who works for University of Alaska Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Program and lives in Palmer.

“This kind of experience has been life-changing for youth and adults alike with new ideas, skills and enthusiasm to create positive change back in our home communities knowing that we are all connected to one global system,” Stortz said.

The program is called “Enhancing Global Perspectives, American Youth Leadership Program with Mongolia,” and as it suggests, the goal of this trip was to allow American and Mongolian youth to learn about each other’s cultures and the global issues facing both our countries. Some of the shared issues included renewable energy, water quality and land restoration and reclamation.

The first week of the program was spent in the capital of Ulaanbaatar where we received language and cultural training with our Mongolian host siblings from multiple Peace Corps workers stationed in Mongolia. We also were guests at a reception at the American Embassy provided by the American ambassador. We were entertained by the Mongolian Dance and Music Ensemble, toured the National Museum, the Gandan Buddhist Monastery, the Museum of Traditional Medicine and Bogd Khaan’s Palace.

For the next two weeks, American participants stayed in the homes of their host siblings. The four districts for the home-stays were Ulaanbaatar, Selenge, Baganuur and Arkhangai. I stayed with my host family in the northern province of Selenge.

There, I was able to experience firsthand the Mongolian way of life. My host family was very open and welcoming, which made it easy to submerse myself in the culture. Being part of the family truly opened up a gateway of understanding for me and was one of the best parts of the project.

While in our respective districts, all youth participated in outings as a group to help enhance their experiences. Groups participated in community service projects like cleaning up trash at prayer sites or helping plant and water trees at a mining reclamation.

Groups also toured local mines and farmlands, and did workshops on reclamation of natural resources. That experience has caused me to be far more curious about local mines such as the proposed Pebble and Wishbone Hill mines when I previously didn’t have any interest.

For the final week, our group reunited a few hours west of Ulaanbaatar to stay in a traditional Ger encampment. We learned how to construct a Ger, the traditional shelter and home of the semi-nomadic people still in wide use today. We also learned how to make cheese from yak milk and prepared goat (from a near bloodless slaughter, butchering and preparation) for a dinner feast. We visited a regional Naadam festival and also the country’s national Naadam, Mongolia’s holiday festival celebrating the tradition of the Mongolian Empire when Chengis Khan ruled in the early 13th century. Events featured were wrestling, archery and horse racing. The celebration allowed for a spectacular emergence of culture and was a perfect ending for our trip. But it was not the end of the partnership.

“You are always welcome in our home and I want to always exchange mail and be beautiful sisters,” said Oyunjargal, my host sister.

This experience has helped me realize the importance of being a global citizen and being involved in the changes that are made every day.

The public is invited to hear 4-H Club member and Chugiak High School student Mariah McCoy and adult chaperone Peter Stortz describe and illustrate their experiences living in Mongolia for a month this summer. The two will give an informal presentation titled “Enhancing Global Perspectives, American Youth Leadership Program with Mongolia” from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Nov. 4 at the Cooperative Extension Service District Office, 809 S. Chugach St., Palmer. For more information, contact Peter Stortz at 746-9459.

Mariah Ray McCoy is a 4-H Club member and a student at Chugiak High School.