http://www.greenlivingonline.com/Family/roots-shoots-shaping-tomorrows-conservationists/
(Sep 21, 2007)
"There would be very little point in my exhausting myself and other conservationist themselves in trying to protect animals and habitats if we weren’t at the same time raising young people to be better stewards"
Dr. Jane Goodall
Believing in our youth
It’s been 50 years since Dr. Jane Goodall started her renowned studies of chimpanzees in Africa. Much has changed in the world since then. This renowned primatologist, environmentalist and humanitarian doesn’t live in the jungle anymore. Today Dr. Goodall spends much of her time on the road talking about the plight of the chimps but also delivering a message of hope to young people.
She is a strong believer that given the education and support young people can change the world. That premise is at the heart of her youth program, Roots & Shoots, an offshoot of the Jane Goodall Institute. Dr. Goodall started Roots & Shoots after encountering children who were fearful or feeling hopeless about the future. The program fosters a supportive, flexible and fun environment where young people can educate themselves about the important issues and then get help to design, lead and implement their solution.
Breaking through barriers
The name Roots & Shoots was a deliberate choice in order to have an image that conveyed growth and sustainability.
"Symbolically, roots make the firm foundation of the tree planting itself into the earth. Shoots of the tree can break through the brick walls as they move towards the sun. We see the brick walls as all of the things we have inflicted on the planet. The message is hope for hundreds of thousands of young people around the world who can break through these brick walls and make this world a better place," said Dr.Goodall.
With tens of thousands of youth throughout almost 100 countries, Roots & Shoots has evolved into a powerful network, connecting youth of all ages and from different cultures. The program encourages children to choose a project in three key areas: community, environment and wildlife.
Tailoring projects
Since this can be an overwhelming choice, the program offers news and suggestions on its website along with member spotlights describing a successful project. These projects range from a nine-year old selling lemonade to raise funds for the chimps to teenagers building tree nurseries in Tanzania.
The success of Roots & Shoots lies in its flexible method based on knowledge, compassion and action rather than on a pre-packaged plan. Kids discover what they are passionate about and together with other group members and adults tailor their project so it’s engaging and relevant to their particular community. Participants are also connected to a much larger group of people through the Roots & Shoots network. And of course, Dr. Goodall herself, who visits groups to offer her encouragement, guidance and support. The results are motivated and engaged youth.
"From preschool to university, we have our Roots & Shoots choosing three different kinds of ways to make the world a better place for the animals and habitat, learning how to live in peace and harmony within their culture, communities and countries, and between us and the natural world," said Dr. Goodall while visiting the Roots & Shoots group in Toronto, Canada.
Roots & Shoots: shaping tomorrow's conservationists
Image: www.janegoodall.org
Dr. Jane Goodall
Believing in our youth
It’s been 50 years since Dr. Jane Goodall started her renowned studies of chimpanzees in Africa. Much has changed in the world since then. This renowned primatologist, environmentalist and humanitarian doesn’t live in the jungle anymore. Today Dr. Goodall spends much of her time on the road talking about the plight of the chimps but also delivering a message of hope to young people.
She is a strong believer that given the education and support young people can change the world. That premise is at the heart of her youth program, Roots & Shoots, an offshoot of the Jane Goodall Institute. Dr. Goodall started Roots & Shoots after encountering children who were fearful or feeling hopeless about the future. The program fosters a supportive, flexible and fun environment where young people can educate themselves about the important issues and then get help to design, lead and implement their solution.
Breaking through barriers
The name Roots & Shoots was a deliberate choice in order to have an image that conveyed growth and sustainability.
"Symbolically, roots make the firm foundation of the tree planting itself into the earth. Shoots of the tree can break through the brick walls as they move towards the sun. We see the brick walls as all of the things we have inflicted on the planet. The message is hope for hundreds of thousands of young people around the world who can break through these brick walls and make this world a better place," said Dr.Goodall.
With tens of thousands of youth throughout almost 100 countries, Roots & Shoots has evolved into a powerful network, connecting youth of all ages and from different cultures. The program encourages children to choose a project in three key areas: community, environment and wildlife.
Tailoring projects
Since this can be an overwhelming choice, the program offers news and suggestions on its website along with member spotlights describing a successful project. These projects range from a nine-year old selling lemonade to raise funds for the chimps to teenagers building tree nurseries in Tanzania.
The success of Roots & Shoots lies in its flexible method based on knowledge, compassion and action rather than on a pre-packaged plan. Kids discover what they are passionate about and together with other group members and adults tailor their project so it’s engaging and relevant to their particular community. Participants are also connected to a much larger group of people through the Roots & Shoots network. And of course, Dr. Goodall herself, who visits groups to offer her encouragement, guidance and support. The results are motivated and engaged youth.
"From preschool to university, we have our Roots & Shoots choosing three different kinds of ways to make the world a better place for the animals and habitat, learning how to live in peace and harmony within their culture, communities and countries, and between us and the natural world," said Dr. Goodall while visiting the Roots & Shoots group in Toronto, Canada.
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