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, opportunity, and strong partnerships.

That’s why we are proud of our ongoing collaboration with DP World, whose support has made it possible for Jane Goodall Institute France to significantly expand its Prix Jeunesse programme — empowering young people to lead change across France.

Expanding youth action nationwide

DP World’s contribution has allowed Roots & Shoots France to invest in grassroots projects that respond directly to community needs.

Roots & Shoots France set ambitious goals — and achieved them. The programme expanded well beyond its previous scale, reaching projects in 12 of France’s 13 regions, including rural, peri urban, and underrepresented communities.

As a result:

• 256 student led projects applied for the Prix Jeunesse (up from 60 the previous year)
• 6,338 young people and community members were directly impacted
• 24 educators and mentors supported youth led initiatives nationwide

This growth was made possible through the recruitment of a dedicated project coordinator, funded through the grant, ensuring consistent follow up, inclusive outreach, and on site engagement with student groups across the country.

Spotlight on a Prix Jeunesse laureate: Les Paniers de Paul

One of the most inspiring projects supported through the Prix Jeunesse is Les Paniers de Paul, a student led initiative based in Montpellier that addresses food justice, sustainability, and local resilience.

Since the start of the academic year, Les Paniers de Paul has been providing discounted organic fruit and vegetable boxes to students at the University of Montpellier Paul Valéry. The produce is sourced from an agroecological farm located just two kilometres from campus, supporting both student wellbeing and local farmers.

Each box is purchased from the producer for €12 and sold to students for €3, with the difference covered through public funding and partnerships. During the 2025–2026 academic year, the project:

• Reached 850 students
• Distributed 2,000 veggie boxes per year
• Mobilised 200 student volunteers
• Invested €30,000 directly in local food production, with most funding reinvested within the territory

Through Roots & Shoots mentoring — enabled by DP World’s support — the project received expert guidance to strengthen its long term sustainability. The team is now working towards evolving the initiative into a cooperative model, bringing together students, producers, institutions, and solidarity based organisations.

Building skills, community, and long term impact

Beyond individual projects, the Prix Jeunesse programme created lasting change across the Roots & Shoots France network:

• 256 Roots & Shoots Academy projects were supported
• 30 hours of expert mentorship were delivered
• 9,055 trees were planted across France by youth groups
• Participation in other Roots & Shoots initiatives increased by up to 90%, including public speaking and leadership programmes

The programme also strengthened inclusion, reaching students in smaller cities, rural schools, and marginalised settings — including presentations of Dr. Jane Goodall’s message within the prison system.

By combining leadership development, mentorship, and meaningful funding, the Prix Jeunesse demonstrates how youth led initiatives can turn hope into action — at scale.

Together, Roots & Shoots and DP World are empowering young people across France to lead change — for people, animals, and the planet.

Beyond our direct partnership, DP World is making a global impact through their global education platform, which invites users everywhere to:

• Explore innovation in trade and sustainability through exciting lessons and free resources.
• Take on challenges and quizzes, dive into videos and VR experiences.
• Access a variety of resources and e-learning courses for educators, students, and changemakers alike.

Check out our new Roots & Shoots classroom resource created with the support of DP World that helps young people explore how everyday products connect to biodiversity and sustainability. Designed for primary school learners, it makes global supply chains easy (and fun!) to understand.

Discover the resource here 

Image Credits: JGI France