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UPDATED: 16 Jan 2008 GMT
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Speeches 2006

Launching of the Roots & Shoots Environmental Education Project

Venue: Mtoni Mtongani Primary School, Kunduchi.

October 31, 2006

Remarks by Ambassador Michael L. Retzer


Asalam Alaykum! (Peace be upon you!)
Waheshimiwa Wageni Waalikwa (Honorable invited guests)
Honorable Minister of State for the Environment, Professor Mark Mwandosya
Mufti of Tanzania Sheikh Isa Shabaan Bin Simba
Regional Commissioner for Dar es Salaam, Mr. Abas Kandoro
President of Jane Goodall Institute, Dr. Bill Johnston
Vice President of Roots & Shoots, Ms. Jean McCarty
Mabibi na Mabwana (Ladies and gentlemen)

It is my great pleasure to be present for the inaugural launching of the Roots and Shoots Environmental Education program here in Tanzania. This two-year project will engage and empower both primary school and madrassa students in five coastal regions and eleven districts in Tanzania. Through this project, “Roots & Shoots” will demonstrate the power of combining environmental education and service learning into a youth-focused, youth-driven program that seeks to address coastal and marine issues on Tanzania’s mainland and islands.

Although there have been many initiatives which address coastal and marine ecosystems and the associated conservation issues in Tanzania, previously there has not been an initiative that focused specifically on engaging young people. Together we are setting the environmental agenda, providing inspiration for future action, and laying the foundations for the girls and boys present here to have a better future.

The United States government has a very clear purpose: We want to recognize prominent and inspirational examples of environmental leadership. There are champions amongst us who fight for, defend and protect the natural riches that we often take for granted. These children and teachers, champions all of them, are making a real difference! The young people of Tanzania understand that they can play a significant role in determining how our future unfolds. They have a positive influence on the environment. This is in no small part due to the work of the Jane Goodall Institute and its local Non Governmental Organization, the Roots and Shoots.

I am happy to note that this environmental education project brings together both girls and boys, Christians and Muslims. With the help of Baraza Kuu la Waislamu Tanzania (BAKWATA) and the Jane Goodall Institute, this “Roots & Shoots” program will target 12,650 primary school students and 12,650 madrassa school students. Two hundred and twenty primary school teachers and 220 madrassa teachers will be trained on coastal and marine ecosystem issues, techniques for sharing this information with other teachers and students, and how to create and support environmental initiatives in their schools and “Roots & Shoots” clubs.

We need the wisdom of Tanzania’s faiths and spiritual and indigenous beliefs to achieve the vision of sustainable development.

I look forward to seeing these young people in action, observing their enthusiasm when cleaning up beaches or planting trees. Tanzania has put itself on the trajectory of sustainability while delivering economic growth. We must continue this move forward. Without a sound environment it will be much harder to reduce poverty, improve health, and create a brighter future for mothers and children.

That is why the environment needs champions.
Marafiki Wapendwa (Dear Friends), may I leave you with the words of Harry S. Truman, Thirty third President of the United States. He said, “Men make history, and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” This program will shape 25,000 courageous leaders to do what it takes to reverse global environmental decline. Tanzania is in good hands. I applaud your efforts, your desire, and your future. Asenteni sana!