UWEC launches Roots and Shoots program to promote conservation education

Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center (UWEC) has launched the Roots and Shoots program to envisage conservation education

The launch was presided over by Dr Jane Goodall, a world-renowned conservationist and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, who doubles as UN messenger of peace.

“Roots and Shoots program aims at engaging and inspiring young people to plan and implement different types of activities so as to address problems facing the environment, human community and animals. Through their participation in these activities, they learn a variety of skills and develop a greater appreciation for the world around them with a mission to foster respect and compassion for all living things,” she said.

Dr Goodall further noted: “Roots and Shoots started with 12 students but it’s now in 69 countries around the world and we have members in Kindergartens, Universities and more adults. The staff at UWEC and all of us indeed can and we must save the world. We do this through singing and dancing, through art and some of you will become Roots and Shoots leaders.’’

The Executive Director of UWEC, Dr James Musinguzi expressed gratitude to host Dr Jane Goodall for the launch of the program which will promote conservation education taking it to the communities.

“We want everybody to take action towards environmental conservation, we are going to set up an office and collaborative program at UWEC, Wildlife Clubs of Uganda, the Jane Goodall Institute, and Chimpanzee Sanctuary to work together to promote Conservation Education of all the wildlife but in particular the chimpanzees,” he said.

He added that they are going to have on-site programs, and outreaches in the field to preach conservation education, particularly in Chimpanzees going to areas to preach the message of co-existence while boosting tourism in Uganda.