BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Hispanic culture is known for close family ties, history, tradition, color and music. Whatcom County youth in that community are celebrating their heritage as part of a year-old 4-H club.
Voces Hispanas, translated Hispanic Voices, provides hands-on experience to participants in arts, crafts and traditional Mexican folkloric dances, which are presented to the community.
“It’s important for the kids to have pride in their culture and see it preserved,” said club coordinator Brittnay Fuentes. “In agricultural communities like ours these kids are being highlighted in a positive way and feel proud to be Latino.”
Statewide 4-H, a program of Washington State University Extension, promotes youth development to shape future leaders and innovators. While clubs historically highlighted animal husbandry, they have branched out to include disciplines such as photography, aerospace, horticulture, arts, government, community service, woodworking and more.
More than eight percent of the population in Whatcom County is Hispanic. A program that preserves heritage and prepares youth for the future is vital, said Fuentes.
“My greatest hope for the kids is that this program will give them opportunities they didn’t know they had,” she said. “They’ll be learning life skills they can use now and for future employment that will help them get ahead.”
More than 20 youth and their families take part in Voces Hispanas. Two project leaders oversee dance practice, piñata making and crocheting two to three times a week.
Viridiana Melero, 16, has been in the club since it began and has danced in 10 events, including parades and the Northwest Washington Fair.
“When we were in the Lynden parade we were the only Hispanic people there,” she said. “They made us feel really welcome.”
Support funding comes from the national Children, Youth and Families at Risk program, designed to build local partnerships for at-risk children and family members.
For more information, go to http://whatcom.wsu.edu/4h/