I've met people who surely would have been 4-H'ers if only it existed in Australia.

At Mirrabooka Senior High School this week I visited a dance class where the students take turns leading warm ups and each present a demonstration about a ballroom or social dance.

As the first students began their explanation of a traditional bush dance, I thought I was in for a real treat to see an Australian dance.

I was more than a little surprised to realize that the "heel toe polka" was really what we call the "Patty Cake Polka" among 4-H alumni!

Twice a year at Master 4-H Club camps we dance that as well as other traditional dances, and each summer I have also introduced it to 4-H'ers.

The teacher had her hands full with a noisy class on a stage inside a gymnasium, but was excited about teaching the kids a fun way to stay healthy and the students obviously enjoyed the hands-on lessons.

I also met the school chaplain. Yes, a chaplain at a state-run public school!

While her background is religious, chaplains are charged with serving students without proselytizing.
Preaching religion is not allowed, although the chaplain may discuss religion with a child upon the child's request.

Chaplains at schools are often found talking to students upset over grades, stress in the home, or bullying.

They also organize and run a variety of programs meant to boost students' self esteem, confidence and mental health.
I also found that the chaplain and a teacher I met were both interested in the American school lunch program.

Across the state of Western Australia, a non-profit organization called Food Bank is providing free breakfast in a variety of formats including "breakfast clubs" at hundreds of schools.

The chaplain and teacher both attend the breakfast club at Mirrabooka High each morning, and said they have about 25 students who take advantage.

However, it seems that there are many more students at this school who are hungry, because both these faculty members admitted they stock their cabinets with beans or other foods for students each day at lunch.

When I shared this observation after my visit, you could tell it surprised some Perth residents.

"You mean there are hungry children in our community?"

Isn't that just it, though? We all know problems exist, but it's so easy to forget they may exist right next door.

I'm not sure if children find it embarrassing to admit their need publically, which is why some do not attend breakfast but will later privately admit they are hungry-but it made me appreciative of our school lunch system, where no other student need know who is free, reduced, or full cost.

It's surely hard for a hungry child to concentrate on math.

These women were just a few of the very dedicated and clearly passionate educators I found at Mirrabooka.

I also had the pleasure to meet Rotarians who sponsor the school both with their dollars and their time, supporting this very diverse student body as they learn both academics and vocational skills.

If we're looking for heart, it's right here at Mirrabooka.
I found another group who would have loved 4-H at Wheelchairs for Kids: a large group of retirees certainly pledging their hands to greater service.

The non-profit organization has made nearly 22,000 fully adjustable wheelchairs for children around the world, and each day makes more with an entirely volunteer workforce!

The men and women build and ship the chairs for only $130 each, and each volunteer we met told us how much they enjoyed spending their time in such a worthwhile project.

From knitting blankets at retirement homes across the state to welding parts together inside the workshop, hundreds of volunteers provide a great service each day.

You can learn more about the organization at www.wheelchairsforkids.org.

Finally, I was told by my host today that he'd be disappointed if I didn't find a way to include our tour of the former Freemantle Prison in my column.

So I'll sign off one last time from Western Australia by telling you I'm awfully glad they didn't decide to keep us after our tour-those cells looked terribly uncomfortable!

Terri Kimble is the Newton County 4-H Agent through UGA Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at (770) 784-2010 or tkimble@uga.edu.