At Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, we believe that real change happens when young people are connected — across communities, cultures, and countries — to take action for people, animals, and the environment.
With the support of DP World, Roots & Shoots teams in Rwanda and Tanzania have come together to deliver a cross-border initiative focused on animal welfare, youth leadership, and shared learning.
This collaboration brought together students, educators, and volunteers from both countries, creating opportunities to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Through this initiative:
By connecting groups across borders, the project strengthened both local action and the wider Roots & Shoots global movement.
Students participated in a range of engaging activities — from workshops and storytelling sessions to awareness campaigns and educational visits — all designed to build understanding of animal welfare and inspire action.
Many activities were implemented, helping students develop empathy, prevent animal cruelty, and promote responsible pet ownership
One powerful outcome was the shift in attitudes and behaviou change from the participants – including animal care principles and the “Five Freedoms”. This highlights how experiential learning can translate into lasting impact.
The project also demonstrated the strength of the Roots & Shoots network by fostering collaboration between countries.
Virtual exchanges and a Rwanda–Tanzania volunteer programme engaged 250+ participants, creating space for shared learning and strengthening relationships across the region.
At the same time, local initiatives — such as a vulture awareness campaign near Gataraga reached communities directly, helping to shift perceptions about wildlife and its ecological importance.
Students shared powerful personal reflections on their journeys. In one activity focused on caring for domestic animals, a participant expressed their commitment to treating animals with kindness — a simple but meaningful step towards long-term change.
The initiative actively promoted inclusive participation, engaging young women, students with disabilities, and diverse school communities. Participants were supported to take on leadership roles, lead awareness campaigns, and share knowledge within their communities.
By combining cross-country collaboration with local action, the project shows how the Roots & Shoots network can amplify impact — connecting young people across borders while empowering them to lead change in their own communities.
In partnership with DP World, Roots & Shoots continues to strengthen this global network of changemakers — demonstrating how collaboration can turn shared values into meaningful action.
Beyond this collaboration, DP World is making a global impact through its global education platform, offering free resources that support learning around sustainability and innovation.
Image Credits: R&S Rwanda
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