Earth Day is a global call to action—a reminder that each of us has a role to play in protecting our planet. This year, as we reflect on the urgent need for environmental awareness, advocacy, and unity, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Uganda and Roots & Shoots Uganda are proving that collective action can nurture hope for people, animals, and the environment.

35 Years of Roots & Shoots: Nurturing Green Hope for People, Animals, and the Planet.

JGI Uganda marked the 35th anniversary of the Roots & Shoots programme under the theme: “35 Years of Roots & Shoots: Nurturing Green Hope for People, Animals, and the Planet.” The milestone celebration highlighted the programme’s impact in fostering youth leadership, conservation, and community resilience.

Key Achievements

• 204 active Roots & Shoots clubs with over 12,000 members across schools,
  universities, and communities in 20 districts.
• 46,348 tree seedlings planted through reforestation and afforestation
  initiatives.
• 3,527 girls empowered, including 1,179 trained in reproductive health, 401
  supported with educational materials, and 1,754 trained in making reusable
  sanitary pads.
• 78 women trained in tailoring, equipped with 44 sewing and knitting machines
  to support sustainable livelihoods.

“We are celebrating successes and transformation that have accured from the programme both in Uganda and globally. It has awakened the youth to act and address societal and environmental challenges.”
— James Byamukama, Executive Director, JGI Uganda

The anniversary also launched a campaign to plant 35,000 trees in schools, with each tree named after a child—a symbolic gesture to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.