World famous conservationist inspires ACS Cobham students

Students from ACS Cobham International School, aged six to eighteen, enjoyed a visit from Dr. Jane Goodall, one of the world’s most famous conservationists and scientists.

Internationally recognised for her environmental work and continued research into wild chimpanzees, Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE Founder – the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace, gave a presentation to ACS Cobham students about her conservation projects and the educational programme Roots & Shoots, which she formed in 1991.

Roots & Shoots aims to encourage children to implement practical, positive change for people, animals, and the environment. As part of the visit, ACS Cobham Middle School students, who have been working on a number of activities as part of the Roots & Shoots programme, presented their work to Jane, who commented: "It was wonderful to meet so many committed young people from so many countries yesterday at ACS Cobham. An international school such as ACS is a wonderful launchpad to enlarge our Roots & Shoots programme. Roots & Shoots seeks to empower young people of all ages to become involved in hands-on projects for the community for animals and the environment we all share. I look forward to seeing the results of all their many Roots & Shoots projects – together we CAN make the world a better place.”

Following the Lower School presentations, Jane gave a talk to grade nine and ten High School students, about her work with chimpanzees and conservation at the Gombe Centre in Tanzania. Former High School Roots & Shoots students also had the opportunity to interview Jane live on stage. Tara Golshan, Executive Director of Roots & Shoots, said: "I am very proud of all our young members and the staff at ACS. They are one of the longest standing schools on our programme here in the UK and a shining example of the type of commitment and dedication that will truly contribute to the preservation of our planet and its natural resources. I very much look forward to all their future endeavors which I’m sure will be both creative and impactful.”