At Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, we believe that creating a better world for people, animals, and the environment requires more than passion — it requires action, and strong, lasting partnerships.

That’s why we are proud of our ongoing collaboration with DP World, whose support has enabled Roots & Shoots Chile to expand hands-on environmental education and youth leadership through the project “Seeds that connect territories.”

Bringing the Roots & Shoots methodology to life

With support from DP World, Roots & Shoots Chile implemented its full methodology through in-person programmes in schools across Santiago. This approach guided students through the complete cycle of identifying local issues, designing solutions, taking action, and celebrating their achievements.

As a result:

• 318 students participated directly in face-to-face activities
• 71 students completed the full training process and developed their own projects
• 13 new Roots & Shoots groups were established across four schools
• 12 in-person sessions were delivered, covering inspiration, planning, action, and reflection

These sessions strengthened students’ ability to identify challenges in their communities and empowered them to design meaningful solutions for people, animals, and the environment.

Youth leadership in action

One of the most inspiring stories comes from a group of students known as “Los Olímpicos” at the Guillermo Zañartu Irigoyen School.

After identifying the mistreatment of domestic animals as a local issue, the group took action. They conducted research, observed their community, and interviewed neighbours to understand attitudes towards pet care. With this knowledge, they created an awareness campaign promoting responsible animal ownership.

The students designed posters with practical recommendations and displayed them throughout the school and surrounding neighbourhood. Their project not only raised awareness, but also demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and the ability to transform concern into collective action.

Strengthening skills and long-term engagement

Through this initiative, students developed key skills in:

• Problem identification and analysis
• Project planning and teamwork
• Communication and community engagement

Teachers played a vital role in sustaining these efforts, with seven educators supporting student groups and ensuring that projects continue beyond the initial workshops.

The programme also prioritised inclusion, reaching students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and supporting participation from migrant learners and students with different educational needs. Young women were actively encouraged to take on leadership roles across the groups.

From local action to lasting impact

By combining structured methodology with youth-driven ideas, the project has successfully moved students from awareness to action. Each of the 13 projects addressed real issues identified by students — from recycling and school gardens to animal welfare and social inclusion — reflecting a deep sense of ownership and commitment.

With the next phase set to expand to additional schools in northern Chile, this initiative continues to grow its impact — empowering more young people to lead change in their communities.

Together with DP World, Roots & Shoots is nurturing a new generation of changemakers — proving that when young people are given the tools and opportunity, they can turn hope into action.

Beyond our direct partnership, DP World is making a global impact through its global education platform, offering free resources that support learning around sustainability and innovation.

Image Credits: JGI Chile