A Roots & Shoots Member’s Mission in Switzerland

In the spirit of hope and action, Nina, a dedicated Roots & Shoots member from Switzerland, has launched a project called “A Paradise for Swifts at My School.” Her goal? To give these incredible birds a safe place to thrive.

Dr. Jane Goodall spoke passionately about swifts, calling them “masters of the skies”—birds that can fly for months without landing, sleep mid-air, and reach incredible speeds. Sadly, their numbers are declining globally due to habitat loss from building repairs and new construction, and a reduction in insect populations caused by pesticides.

Dr. Goodall urged us to help by:

• Protecting existing nesting sites
• Installing new nesting boxes
• Reducing harmful chemicals in gardens
• Spreading awareness about the threats swifts face

Nina’s project embodies this message and the Roots & Shoots mission—caring for animals and inspiring others to take action for a better world. She raised funds by selling homemade pastries, bought wood, and will build nesting boxes with her classmates to install at their school. Beyond that, she plans to educate her peers about respecting and protecting these magnificent birds.