Roots and Shoots is an organization that I've heard about through Earthwatch, and then learned more about in Kenya. The schools around Lewa all participate in Roots and Shoots activities. My teammate, Michael, who works at the Los Angeles Zoo, is also involved with Roots and Shoots. I asked him to tell us more about it:

"Roots creep underground everywhere and make a firm foundation. Shoots seem very weak, but to reach the light, they can break open brick walls. Imagine that the brick walls are all the problems we have inflicted on our planet. Hundreds and thousands of Roots & Shoots, hundreds and thousands of young people around the world, can break through these walls. You can change the world." --Dr. Jane Goodall

Roots & Shoots is designed to engage and inspire people of all ages through service-learning projects. Founded by Dr. Jane Goodall, this fast-growing global program is based on the principle that knowledge leads to compassion, which inspires action. All R & S groups plan and implement service projects showing care and concern in three areas: the Environment, Animals, and the Human Community. The Jane Goodall Institute supports teachers, parents, and community educators with a variety of resources: innovative interdisciplinary curricula, activities, project ideas, international ideas exchange, and special events such as a Youth Summit, at which students have the chance to meet Dr. Goodall.

Roots & Shoots projects can be as creative as the paticipants want them to be and can adress issues in your backyard or far away. Many new clubs find they are already practicing Roots & Shoots by feeding local birds, recycling at school, or holding food drives for the homeless. The following are a few shining examples:

• The Roots & Shoots Eco Club at the Singapore American School created a nature trail for the blind,
• at Buddy Taylor Middle School in Florida, the "Root & Shoots Eagles" hold regular pet food drives for the local animal shelter, and
• the Roots & Shoots Infantil club in Ecuador planted new trees in deforested areas of Cerro Blanco National Park.

Start your Rooots & Shoots group or classroom today, everyone is welcome. For more information about Roots & Shoots and the work of Dr. Jane Goodall go to http://www.janegoodall.org . Take action and make a difference!