Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots
Over sixty years ago, Jane Goodall travelled from England to what is known today as Tanzania. There, driven by her fascination with wildlife, she studied chimpanzees. Her discovery that chimpanzees made and used tools created waves which changed the scientific world forever. Jane’s work laid the foundation for a better understanding of the relationship between humans and other animals. She also set out a new approach to conservation, by including the needs of local people and the environment within the definition. Jane saw young people both as the future, and as today’s leaders. As a result, in 1991, Jane set up the Roots and Shoots programme.
Roots and Shoots
Roots and Shoots was established to inspire groups to create better places for communities, for animals, and for the environment. Since its inception, the environmental and humanitarian programme has been set up in more than 65 countries. Roots and Shoots connects young people around the globe, working to make the world a better place. A home education group in Swindon is one of many Roots and Shoots projects in the UK. And having spent time working on initiatives such as building a bug hotel, and litter picking, we were invited to London to participate in the 2023 awards ceremony.
Awards
It was an incredible day. We met many other education organisations who had worked hard over the year on their community projects. Initiatives included building wildlife ponds, planting trees, growing fruit and vegetables, litter picking, and recycling.
And throughout the day, the gentle, awe-inspiring Jane Goodall moved calmly through the room, talking with genuine interest to the children and adults she met.
At her speech during the awards ceremony, Jane set out her vision. That it’s not too late to arrest, and repair the damage which has been done to our planet. That children are key to the present and future health of the planet. That we, as a species and individuals, should aim high. If we aim for the stars but don’t reach them, we may yet reach the Moon. If we aim for the Moon and miss, we might only find the mountaintops.
Swindon Saplings Home Education Group received two awards for our collective work. One for the efforts to improve places for people, animals, and the environment. This included the bug hotel which children built, and the huge amount of litter picking they undertook. The other award was for the actions taken on positive climate action, which took account of the work which the group has done in creating green spaces.
Projects planned for Saplings this year include tree planting, designing and building a community wildlife pond, and continued efforts to clear the local environment of litter. We have already begun litter picking, and land has been identified for the trees.
It will require effort and determination, but the bond is strong across the group. Children and adults remain committed to working together towards positive change.
Final Word
To Jane, who is one of my heroes and an inspiration. It was an honour to meet her, and an experience I will never forget.
All photographs: E. Lord, J. Janisch-Howe, R. Besureis
What an amazing day for you both xx
It was incredible! Very inspiring to see all the projects, and listen to Jane’s speech xx