Feb 15, 2025·Rwanda & Tanzania
The Animal Welfare Project is a cross-country initiative implemented in Rwanda and Tanzania under the Roots & Shoots program, aimed at empowering young people through comprehensive animal welfare education.
The project targets primary and secondary school students and is supported by trained adult facilitators and dedicated youth volunteers.
Through structured leadership training, young participants are equipped with the skills and confidence to design and lead animal welfare campaigns within their schools and communities. They learn key concepts including the differences between domestic and wild animals, responsible animal care and compassion, and the importance of protection for all living beings.
As part of the program, each participating school carries out at least one practical animal welfare activity, supported by regular mentoring sessions and community awareness initiatives.
Age-appropriate educational materials are developed and distributed to project schools to ensure effective learning. These materials are also shared with existing Roots & Shoots clubs in other schools, serving as a strategy to strengthen current clubs and establish new ones.
To enhance accountability and inclusivity, volunteers are trained by JGI Tanzania to use Survey123 as a monitoring tool, ensuring proper documentation of activities and active participation of all students, including marginalized groups.
The project promotes cross-country collaboration through volunteer exchanges between Rwandan and Tanzanian youth, educational visits to animal centers, and regional network building to create a lasting community of young animal welfare champions.
To mark the 35th Anniversary of the Roots & Shoots movement, a dynamic volunteer exchange was conducted between Rwanda and Tanzania. A volunteer from Roots & Shoots Rwanda visited Tanzania and:
"We are hope, we are action."
Through education, leadership development, and collaboration, the Animal Welfare Project nurtures a generation committed to compassion, responsibility, and sustainable coexistence with animals — building a better future for people and animals alike.
Teaching young people compassion and responsible care for animals
Cross-border volunteer exchanges strengthen youth networks across Rwanda and Tanzania
Commemorative tree planting marking 35 years of the Roots & Shoots Program
Youth leaders and mentors reflecting on 35 years of impact at the roundtable discussion
Your donation helps us continue projects like this, protecting wildlife and communities across Rwanda.
