BE A RESPECTFUL 4-H HOSTHosting our 4-H Iraq Guests

THANK YOU! SHUKRAN ا شكًر#

A Look at 4-H in Iraq…growing a program!

Overview of Iraq Culture

Do’s & Don’ts

Summary

4-H IN IRAQ

Mary Kerstetter (left), sits next to an Iraqi government official, Salam Singer, at the

country’s first National 4-H Conference held in Baghdad in May.

Founded 2009 – USDA WorkerMary Kerstetter, a former 4-H’er and volunteer from Pennsylvannia

4-H IN IRAQIt started with sheep…2 clubs and grew with boys, girls and adult volunteers from many careers.

Our own former Hardee County Ag Agent and County Director

Lockie Gary assisted Mary with training when he was working in Iraq for 6 months.

Lockie got former State 4-H Leader Dr. Marilyn Norman to support the new program with 4-H materials and supplies.

December 2010 – 25 4-H Clubs; Iraqi 4-H website established

May 2011 –1st National 4-H Conference was held in Baghdad50 4-H’ers attended with official delegates

Official 4-H Iraq 4-H Flag presented and 4-H clover

Currently, 42 4-H Clubs with 1,100 members ( boys & girls)

4-H IN IRAQ http://www.incyc4h.org/

IRAQ CULTURE

Know that Iraqis practice the Islam religion. It's based on 5 pillars—

1. faith,2. prayers, 3. alms and charity,4. fasting and 5. pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Koran is their holy book and they worship in a Mosque.

Iraqi women usually wear a head scarf, even if they're dressed in Western clothing. It's a show of respect.

Several ETHNIC GROUPS – 2 Largest are:• Arabs ( 18.5 million)•Kurds (5 million)

IRAQ CULTURE

Greeting our guests: Be polite and shake the male hand neither too firm or meekly Wait for females to extend a hand to you and then lightly

shake their hand. Address our guests by Mr. or Mrs. with their family name. Extend your RIGHT hand only – left hand is taboo.

Respect and Trust: Socialize first with beverages before jumping into business Iraq men do not share the same concept as Americans on

“personal space” – it is disrespectful to step back from an Iraq male.

Iraq women are the exception, you should not stand close, touch or stare at the women.

Do not let your sole of your shoe be seen when you sit– it is very insulting.

IRAQ CULTUREGestures:

Right hand over heart Right hand, palm up, finger tips touching Quick upward head snap with tongue click Gesture with full hand NEVER one finger Not acceptable: thumbs up, OK – not the same meaning as in

USA

Talking with guests:Arabic is their main languageAlways speak TO the guest

– speak slowly, use simple words, and stop after each point or question, so the translator can translate.

Do NOT speak louder Smiling is international – so do much of that!Have a small notebook with a pencil handy:

drawings also help

IRAQ CULTURE

Understanding Iraqi Names: Women do not take their husband’s name Parents add a title before their name by taking the name of

their 1st son When including their family heritage in their name:

Women add :bint – meaning daughter ofMen add: ibn or bin – meaning son of

Adults have Title First Name Birthplace or From the

Occupation FamilyAbu Yusuf Muhammed Al-Tikriti Al-Sayf

Father of Yusuf his name birthplace family name

Umm Yusuf Rahil bint Hassan ibn Ibrahim Al-Saddaf

Mother of Yusuf her name family heritage family name

IRAQ CULTUREAgriculture:

Livestock Estimates:Cattle- 2.5 millionBuffalo- 285 thousandSheep- 7 millionGoats- 1.5 million

IRAQ CULTURE

Wheat and barley are most important agricultural crops.

Sheep and goats are tended by nomadic and semi-nomadic groups.

Cattle production is mainly dairy at the household production level.

Milk processing is hampered by electricity shortages and security concerns.

DO’S & DON’TS

DO…

relax and smile – they are also hesitant about you!

wear a 4-H shirt; long pantsaddress guests as Mr. or

Mrs. with their family name

If possible, greet them in their language; learn some key words like

Hello…marrhabaThank You..shukranGoodbye…maa as-salamaYes…eeNo…iaFood – ak-ilWater – may

DO NOT…..

talk about the war, religion or politics

point with one finger use your left hand in giving or

greetingPraise their possessions too

much or they will give you and expect a gift in return

Offer pork meet or alcoholExpose the soles of your feet

SUMMARYFlorida 4-H is one of 3 states supporting the Iraq 4-H program as they need.

In October, each university of these 3 states will send a trainer to Erbil, Iraq for 7 days to teach 4-H staff and leaders more topics on 4-H.

Great opportunities to cultural learning through 4-H Pen Pal Clubs exist for our Florida 4-H program.

Together with our guests we share the same mission in any language:

“To Make the Best Better” throughHead - Heart – Hands and Health

RESOURCES USED

http://cryptome.org/iraq-culture.htm ‘Iraq Culture Smart Card’ developed by Marine Corps Intelligence Activity

Kerstetter, M. ‘4-H Program in Iraq Ensures a Brighter Future for Its Children’ USDA. Foreign Agricultural Service. 2010.

Kerstetter, M. ‘USDA Employee Founds 4-H in Iraq, Brings Hope to Iraqi Youth’ USDA Blog July 2011.

Knitter, Pfc. Emily. ‘Head, Hearts, Hands and Health – 4-H Clubs in Iraq’ America’s North Shore Journal. August 2010.

Slide Program developed by Georgene Bender, Regional Specialized Agent 4-H, University of Florida / IFAS 4-H Youth Development

July 2011