Dr. Goodall Inspires Hope for Our Future
Dr. Jane Goodall was honored last Thursday at a reception in Berkeley, California, and she spoke about her lifelong work with animals in Africa and specifically about her youth organization Roots and Shoots.
Best known for her study of chimpanzee behavior in the Gombe National Park in Tanzania, starting in the 1960’s, Dr. Goodall has achieved international acclaim as a conservationist and a humanitarian. Although she recounted many fascinating stories about her time among the chimpanzees and her life’s journeys, what was most compelling is her emphatic belief that the world can be made a better place for all living things, despite the challenges we face.
Founded in the 1990’s, Roots and Shoots is the global youth initiative of the Jane Goodall Institute. Now in more than 100 countries, Roots and Shoots channels the passion and energy of youth around the world into community service projects that reflect a concern for people, for animals, and for the environment. Children as young as 13 can start or lead their own groups in their communities (or even younger with adult support). Alternatively, they can join an existing group and become involved in an ongoing project that is of importance to them.
It was inspiring to hear Dr. Goodall’s message of hope for our future and the power of the individual to make a difference in the world. It was also particularly poignant to hear questions and comments from the children in the audience who were so clearly inspired by Dr. Goodall, her work with animals, and her message of possibility. When we look to the challenges that we face today, many of which we will inevitably pass on to our children, there is comfort in seeing the power that children possess when they believe in themselves and the better future that they will create.
Uncategorized | Elanna | 
October 6, 2009 3:33 pm
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