Knowledge can unlock potential
Conservation icon Dr Jane Goodall discusses Roots and Shoots, a program educating the world about the importance of conservation - and they have three branches in Mbombela.
MBOMBELA – Dr Jane Goodall believes young people can make a profound change in the world if they are empowered and educated. That is why the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) has initiated Roots & Shoots, a global programme to educate the youth about environmental, animal and humanitarian issues.
Mbombela boasts its very own branch. Juliet Price, Roots & Shoots’ national manager, says the local branch is still quite new but it is growing.
The programme hosts a number of workshops to teach young people how to interact with their environment and their fellow humans in a sincere manner.
“Roots & Shoots aims to inspire people to become responsible citizens and environmental stewards through education and grass-roots initiatives that change behaviour in their interaction with people, the environment and animals.”
The organisation is now active in
130 countries around the world. “In South Africa, we have two focus areas: group memberships and community outreach programmes. In the Lowveld we are only focused on growing our group memberships. Groups ranging from preschool, primary school to high school and university or community levels choose a minimum of three service campaigns or projects to complete every year: one benefiting people, one for animals and one for the environment.”
“Every individual matters, and every individual has a role to play. Programmes like Roots & Shoots gives me hope for the future. We need more programmes like this to teach the youth to respect and not just tolerate our environment.”
