(Newswire.net — March 10, 2015) Singapore, Singapore — Famed primatologist and UN Messenger for Peace Dr. Jane Goodall spoke at School of the Arts about her Roots & Shoots programmes all over the world and how young people are creating a ripple effect of positive changes in their own communities through their volunteer work. At the February 4 event, the Singapore American School Roots & Shoots student group also shared their own projects and facilitated hands-on sessions for students from local and international schools in
Dr. Goodall began her career by studying chimpanzees, and became known as “the woman who redefined man” when she discovered that chimpanzees fashion and use tools. It was previously thought that the accomplishment belonged to man alone. Later, she became a conservationist to protect the chimpanzees she loved, as well as other animals, and has been spreading the message of conservation since.
Dr. Goodall firmly believes that young people can make a difference in the world, and catalyzed the formation of Roots & Shoots, a ground-up movement for young people to contribute via service learning projects.
The Jane Goodall Roots & Shoots programme is about making positive change happen both locally and internationally for people, animals, and the environment. Their mission is to foster respect and compassion for all living things, to promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs, and to inspire each individual to take action to make the world a better place.
With more than 300,000 young people in more than 136 countries, the Jane Goodall Roots & Shoots network connects youth of all ages who share a desire to create a better world. Young people identify problems in their local communities and take action. Through service learning projects and youth-led campaigns, Roots & Shoots members make a difference across the globe.
Dr. Goodall has visited Singapore American School twice before, for an assembly and tree planting in high school and a walk on the SAVE club (and SAVE co-adopters) NParks Adopt-a-Park Pulau Ubin Sensory Trail.
Cuozzo added, “I feel very lucky to have been immersed in such a service-oriented environment for the past few years at SAS. When you take a look at all of the work being done by our high school’s service clubs and service-oriented clubs, it is absolutely amazing to see how much our students give each day, week, semester, and year.”
SAS student Serena Sung-Clarke added, “Service is important. After all, considering all the strains we put on it, the planet can’t take care of itself. Sometimes though, it’s hard to focus on service because I get caught up in thinking about that universal problem: ‘I’m just one person – how much of a difference can I make?’ That’s why I think Dr. Goodall is so inspirational – she’s living proof that one person can make a huge impact.”
Three Singapore American School faculty have served or are serving on the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) (JGIS) Board: past board member and SAS high school biology teacher Martha Began, and current active JGIS board members SAS high school biology teacher Steve Early and former SAS grade 7 science teacher Kate Thome.
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About Dr. Jane Goodall – http://www.janegoodall.org/jane
About the Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots programme – http://www.rootsandshoots.org
About Singapore American School
Singapore American School (SAS) is an independent, non-profit, coeducational, college preparatory day school offering an American curriculum with an international perspective for students in preschool through grade 12. SAS has the largest Advanced Placement program outside of the United States, is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in the U.S., and offers the American High School Diploma at the senior level. Established in 1956, the school primarily serves the American and international expatriate communities of Singapore.