When almost 4,000 Georgia youths were asked to complete a survey
about Georgia communities, they expressed concern about the
environment, economics and health care, but enthusiasm about
education.

Last spring the University of Georgia’s 4-H program, in
partnership with the Georgia Rural Development Council, surveyed
a random sample of Georgia’s seventh- and eighth-graders in 157
counties.

“This survey marked the first effort of this magnitude to listen
to and record the voice of Georgia’s youth,” said Bill Leverett,
the Georgia 4-H youth development specialist who coordinated the
project.

Kids Keenly Aware

“The survey revealed some significant insights about Georgia
youths,” Leverett said. “They’re keenly aware of the world around
them and the viability of their communities. They’re ambitious
about their future and understand the role of education in
personal success.”

Almost all of those surveyed — 87 percent — plan to attend
college or technical school. Three-fourths felt their school
teaches what they need to know to get into college.

Only 60 percent, though, felt their school has enough books,
computers and other equipment to help them learn. About 40
percent don’t have Internet access at home. In lagging or
declining areas, that number increases to 51 percent.

Critical Community
Concerns

The kids were asked the significance of five key issues critical
to Georgia’s future: leadership, health, education, technology
and the state’s economy. Significant percentages responded that
their community:

Access To Health Care
Lacking

The children felt that access to rural health care, especially in
areas that are lagging or declining economically, is a major
issue.

About 64 percent of those surveyed in lagging or declining areas
said their community has no hospital. And 61 percent said no
doctor is available.

In fast-developing areas, only 20 percent felt access to health
care wasn’t adequate. Only 18 percent felt health care was
inadequate in existing or emerging growth centers.

“Statewide, the youths felt drugs and alcohol continue to be
big problems,” Leverett said. “Teen pregnancy and violence are
also major concerns.”

Only 29 percent felt strongly that their communities are a great
place to grow up. About one in three plan to spend their lives in
communities where they’re growing up.

Rising Role Models

The news was a little brighter when it comes to their own
potential as leaders.

Regardless of their socioeconomic situation, 87 percent of the
respondents felt they have the potential to serve as role models
for younger children. Yet 60 percent said they have no
opportunity to participate in a leadership development
program.

Almost 60 percent recognized agriculture and manufacturing as the
most important economic engines in Georgia. Tourism and
construction were seen as the next most important, followed by
retail sales.

Youth Summit Planned

Georgia high school students responded to similar survey
questions in person. Teenagers from across the state convened
at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center Sept. 9-11 to share their ideas for
building a strong future in Georgia at the first Georgia Youth
Summit.

“These students were selected based on their leadership ability,”
Lt. Governor Mark Taylor, who chairs the Rural Development
Council. “We want to listen to their ideas and opinions.”

Bo Ryles, state 4-H leader at UGA, agreed. “It’s my experience
that youths are typically energetic and committed and have the
ability to create positive change,” he said. “They imagine
possibilities and lead us in directions adults would never have
contemplated. This summit should be a great learning experience
for all of us.”