Inspiring young generation to care for people, animals, and the environment
Roots & Shoots Rwanda (R&S Rwanda) is a registered local Non-Profit Organization and part of Jane Goodall's global Roots & Shoots network dedicated to fostering positive change for communities, animals, and the environment.
R&S Rwanda brings together youth from preschool to university level and communities in vulnerable areas to actively engage in environmental conservation and promote long-term environmental sustainability.
To foster respect and compassion for all living things, promote understanding of all cultures, and inspire each individual to take action for animals, people, and the environment.
To create a global community of youth dedicated to compassionate decision-making, empowered to lead and influence change for people, animals, and the environment.
To develop compassionate, holistic decision-making and leadership skills by providing support, tools, mentorship, and resources for young generation to turn ideas into actions.
We lead with empathy for people, animals, and the natural world. Every action we take is rooted in care and respect for all living things.
Lasting change takes dedication. We show up every day with energy and determination, knowing that small consistent actions create big transformations.
We believe in the power of education. By deepening understanding of our world, we equip young generation to make informed, compassionate decisions.
"Together we can, Together we will, We must change the world!"
This chant opens and closes every R&S gathering a reminder of our shared purpose and our power to create positive change.
Founded 28 February 2021 · Kigali, Rwanda
The story began with Clémence Idukunda's inspiring journey in Tanzania, where she met Mr. Japheth Jonas, National Coordinator of Roots & Shoots Tanzania. She volunteered there for two years an experience that deeply shaped her passion for environmental stewardship.
Inspired by the program's impact, she based her master's research on a Roots & Shoots project, focusing on the vulnerability of mangrove forests to human pressure.
Upon returning to Rwanda, Clémence joined forces with Ms. Olive Mahoro, Mr. Janvier Musoni, Mr. Narcisse Munyurangabo, and Mrs. Irene Iradukunda to officially launch R&S Rwanda on 28 February 2021.
R&S Rwanda actively contributes to habitat protection, especially for Eastern Chimpanzees in the Gishwati-Mukura National Park. We have implemented tree planting initiatives including agroforestry, fruit, and native species with 5,000+ trees planted to date in schools and deforested areas of Rwanda, directly supporting biodiversity and climate action (SDG 13 & 15).
A major focus is environmental education. We established three environmental clubs at schools, with 400+ student members mentored by 7+ volunteers and 12+ club facilitators. The program distributes educational materials and runs workshops, including study tours on natural resource conservation. Indirectly, this has reached 2,000+ school community members and 8,000+ village residents.
R&S Rwanda emphasizes strong and lasting partnerships. We signed a partnership agreement with the Rwanda Development Board to strengthen conservation collaboration. Our collaboration with DP World, which began in 2022, has enabled the Jane Goodall Institute Global to manage small internal grants, supporting Roots & Shoots offices and multinational teams.
Empowering young generation is central to the Roots & Shoots model. The program encourages youth to understand the power of their voice and actions to create change, fostering compassion, determination, and collaboration. School clubs and workshops provide platforms for young generation to become compassionate citizens and leaders.
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and United Nations Messenger of Peace, is a world-renowned ethologist and activist inspiring greater understanding and action on behalf of the natural world.
She believed that every individual can make a difference and that today's young people are some of the most compassionate, creative change-makers our world has ever seen which is why she created the Roots & Shoots program.
"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make"
— Dr. Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall Institute
The global network behind the Roots & Shoots movement, empowering youth worldwide.
Rema
Rwanda Environment Management Authority — government body for sustainable environmental management.
Isaro Econext
Technology partner providing the Eco Forest App for remote tree monitoring.
Rwanda Development Board
Partnership to strengthen conservation collaboration across Rwanda.
We collaborate with 7+ organisations across Rwanda and globally.
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Roots & Shoots Rwanda and Tanzania celebrated 35 years of the movement through a volunteer exchange focused on animal welfare education, with visits to schools in Dodoma and collaborative activities.
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Roots & Shoots volunteers joined RAWO to educate communities about the critical role of vultures at Gataraga Market.
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Students explored mountain gorilla conservation and mental wellness through augmented reality and talks.
Read moreJoin us in creating a better future for people, animals, and the environment.
