Dr. Jane Goodall visits Yokota youth

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca
  • 374 Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  World renowned primatologist, environmentalist and humanitarian Dr. Jane Goodall visited with members of the Yokota chapter of Roots and Shoots at the base theatre here September 11.

Dr. Goodall, who spends 300 days per year traveling the globe, spent the morning telling her story and spreading the word on the human impact on the environment.

The Roots and Shoots program began at Yokota Middle School in 2006 by Mr. Gary Niklason, environmental studies and applied technologies teacher, after he attended one of Dr. Goodall's lectures. "As [Dr. Goodall] spoke of the need to empower our youth, to realize that they can make a difference, I was inspired to start a chapter at YMS," he said.

"We have compromised the planet. We did not inherit the planet from our parent. We have borrowed it from our children," said Dr. Goodall. "But when you borrow, you intend to give it back. We have been stealing and stealing from our children's future."

Roots and Shoots began with 12 high school students in Tanzania in 1991 and has expanded to 121 countries, with more than 16,000 active groups, with members ranging from preschoolers to adults.

"Roots and Shoots is my effort to try to convince not just the young people but all of us that it's not too late, there is something we can do. But, if we don't get together and roll up our sleeves, it will be too late," said Dr. Goodall.

During a conference she attended in 1986 that brought together researchers from all study areas, Dr. Goodall was shocked by the messages. All of the researchers' presentations showed that everywhere there were forests being cut down and entire habitats being destroyed. "I went to the conference a scientist and I came out an activist."

The mission of Roots and Shoots is to foster respect and compassion for all living things; promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs; and inspire people to make the world a better place for people, animals and the environment.

"It is breaking down the barriers that we love to build between people of different nations, cultures and religions," said Dr. Goodall.

To Cameron Sojak, YMS 7th grader, Roots and Shoots is simply a means of making a difference. "I participate in it for that reason and also each time I come to Roots & Shoots I'm inching a little closer toward that goal."