"Roots stretch out and spread beneath the ground, omnipresent, forming a solid foundation; shoots may appear weak, but in their pursuit of sunlight, they can break through hard brick walls. If we liken the numerous challenges our planet faces to the impenetrable brick walls, then the thousands of youths around the world are the countless roots and shoots, who have the ability to break down barriers and thereby rewrite the world."
As the only international school in Zhejiang Province invited, pupils from Wellington College Hangzhou went to Beijing to meet the world-renowned UN Messenger of Peace, British zoologist, primatologist and animal conservation pioneer, Dr Jane Goodall.
Last weekend, Dr Goodall visited China to join many Chinese youths passionate about the environment and animals. They gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her "Roots & Shoots" program taking root in China.
“根与芽”
Roots & Shoots
"Roots & Shoots" was founded in 1991 on the balcony of Dr Goodall's residence in Tanzania, where 16 students from different schools around the world had a lively discussion on animal conservation and other environmental issues. During the discussion, Dr Goodall realised that the children lacked an understanding of animals, so she encouraged them to form environmental conservation clubs with like-minded peers. Since then, "Roots & Shoots" has launched worldwide with the support of countless students and teachers, currently operating nearly 10,000 groups in over 90 countries globally.
Since entering China in 1991, "Roots & Shoots" has established offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanchang and Chengdu, with over 700 groups exploring and practising the conservation of farmland, marine life, wetlands and resource recycling.
Dr Goodall's love and dedication to nature and animals has spanned several decades, deepening through her studies of chimpanzees. Now in her nineties, she still spends around 300 days a year travelling the world, tirelessly working for environmental conservation.
"I have visited 131 countries, meeting countless passionate young people who ask how to take action and change the world. I tell them, to take action starting with themselves and influencing their parents. If we join hands and pass our ideas to more people, the world will gradually improve," Dr Goodall said. "This is what keeps me going. Even if you bring about a small change, how can you easily give up?"
Over the past two years, through in-depth cooperation with the Shanghai "Roots & Shoots" charitable organisation, we have significantly enhanced pupils' awareness of protecting wild animals like gibbons. At Hiba Academy Hangzhou, pupils showcased their artistic talents by creating a series of artworks themed around animal conservation. The school library also became a starting point for curiosity and learning, with more and more pupils immersed in the world of gibbons. This year, the school initiated a project-based learning plan, inviting pupils to design and create toys to enrich the lives of gibbons.
Additionally, the "Roots & Shoots" team was invited to visit Wellington College International Hangzhou to share their outstanding work in gibbon conservation. Inspired, pupils designed toys for the Shanghai gibbon project to raise public awareness of the endangered status of gibbons. Year 5 pupils crafted beautiful slides and posters and built toy prototypes to share their results with the public at the zoo. Notably, one of the toys has already been put to use in the lemur enclosure at Shanghai Zoo. The pupils' excellent presentation skills and teamwork earned them high praise from the judges.
Due to outstanding contributions in recent years, Wellington College Hangzhou was honoured with the "Roots & Shoots" Impact Award on the day of the celebration. Wellington College Hangzhou pupils were also interviewed by CCTV's renowned host, Gao Bo.
For pupils, this event was undoubtedly a powerful "growth catalyst." At Wellington College Hangzhou, we have a dedicated charity and environmental team of enthusiastic teachers and pupils. The senior pupil's "Million Trees Project" not only provides valuable environmental practice opportunities but also profoundly embodies the values of resilience and teamwork. The "Dream House Project" focuses on rural education and the issues faced by left-behind children, leading pupils to understand the critical importance of social justice and educational opportunities, fostering empathy and a dedication to a fair society.
Through participating in a series of sustainable development and charity projects, pupils gain a comprehensive and deeper understanding of global challenges and opportunities. This understanding not only sows the seeds of positive action in their hearts but also solidifies their belief in their own influence.
Such growth experiences are likely to guide them toward careers and activities focused on environmental conservation, social justice and sustainable development. The resilience, empathy and broad global vision they cultivate will allow them to lead effectively in the future, contributing to human progress and aligning perfectly with our school's educational vision.
Looking ahead, we will continue to support and encourage more pupils to participate in environmental actions, allowing the spirit of "Roots & Shoots" to continue taking root and sprouting within and beyond the campus, injecting more green hope into our planet.
