The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Roots and Shoots
Another high point for Goodall was when the Queen of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, pledged to incorporate the Roots and Shoots’ values in her Kisakate programme. Nagginda’s programme encourages children aged 4 to 18 to stay in touch with Buganda’s cultural values.
Roots and Shoots focuses on nurturing young children to become tomorrow’s conservation stewards. It trains children in practical eco-social skills like tree-planting, paper recycling, waste disposal, and hygiene.
Started by Goodall in 1991 in Dar es Salam, Tanzania, Roots and Shoots, is one of the institute’s most rapidly expanding programmes. It has spread rapidly with more than 8000 groups ranging from two to 2000 registered members in more than 100 countries where they have planted millions of trees. It has been in Uganda since 2006.
Goodall, who is now 84-years old and no longer moves with boundless energy, said she wants to be remembered always for this programme because she wants children to take control of their future.
Speaking directly to some children who attended the symposium, she challenged them to “take matters into their own hands” with creativity, imagination, and determination.
“Let’s get Roots and Shoots growing because it gives the answer to the future,” she said, “Be obstinate like me, don’t give up.”
