About Roots & Shoots Rwanda
Empowering Rwandan youth to create positive change for people, animals, and the environment through community-led projects.
Who We Are
Our Organization
Roots & Shoots Rwanda (R&S Rwanda) is a registered local Non-Profit Organization (Registration No. 981/RGB/NGO/LP/04/2024) and part of Jane Goodall's global Roots & Shoots network.
The organization is dedicated to fostering positive change for communities, animals, and the environment. R&S Rwanda brings together youth, from preschool to university level, and communities in vulnerable areas to actively engage in environmental conservation and promote long-term environmental sustainability.
Community Focus
We work directly with schools and communities to create sustainable change from the ground up.
Environmental Stewardship
Protecting Rwanda's biodiversity and natural habitats is at the core of our mission.
Youth Empowerment
We believe in the power of young people to lead change in their communities.
Our Mission, Vision & Goal
Guiding principles that drive our work in Rwanda
Mission
To foster respect and compassion for all living things, to promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs, and to inspire each individual to take action to make the world a better place for animals, people, and the environment.
Vision
To create a global community of youth who are dedicated to compassionate decision-making and are empowered to lead and influence change in their communities to create a better world for people, other animals, and the environment.
Goal
To develop compassionate, holistic decision-making and leadership skills by providing support, tools, mentorship, and resources for young people across the world to turn their ideas into actions that ignite change to address today's complex problems.
Our Values
Love and compassion
At the heart of all our actions and decisions
Hard work and persistence
Commitment to long-term sustainable change
Knowledge and understanding
Informed actions based on evidence and empathy
Our Motto (Chant)
This powerful chant inspires our members and partners to work collectively towards our shared vision of a better world.
It reflects Dr. Jane Goodall's belief in the power of collaboration and determination.
The Roots & Shoots Rwanda Story
Our Founding Journey
The Roots & Shoots story in Rwanda began with Clémence Idukunda's inspiring journey in Tanzania, where she met Mr. Japheth Jonas, National Coordinator of Roots & Shoots Tanzania. Through this encounter, she was introduced to the Roots & Shoots movement and its transformative approach to conservation and youth engagement.
Clémence volunteered with Roots & Shoots Tanzania for two years, an experience that deeply shaped her passion for environmental stewardship and community action. Inspired by the program's impact, she based her master's research on a Roots & Shoots project, focusing on the vulnerability of mangrove forests to human pressure.
Official Launch
Upon returning to Rwanda, Clémence joined forces with a dedicated and motivated team (Ms. Olive Mahoro, Mr. Janvier Musoni, Mr. Narcisse Munyurangabo, and Mrs. Irene Iradukunda) to officially launch R&S Rwanda on 28 February 2021.
Together, they laid the foundation for a growing movement that empowers young people and communities to create positive change for people, animals, and the environment, today and for future generations.
Registered Organization
Registration No. 981/RGB/NGO/LP/04/2024
Our Impact
Creating measurable change through youth-led community projects
Trees Planted
Native species, agroforestry and fruit trees
Environmental Clubs
Established in partner schools
Student Members
Active youth participants
Conservation and Habitat Protection
R&S Rwanda actively contributes to habitat protection, especially for Eastern Chimpanzees in the Gishwati-Mukura National Park. We have implemented tree planting initiatives, including agroforestry, fruit, and native species, with 5,000+ trees planted to date in schools and in the deforested areas of Rwanda.
This supports biodiversity and climate action, aligning with SDG 13 and SDG 15.
Education and Awareness
We established three 16+ environmental clubs at schools, with over 400+ student members, mentored by seven 18+ volunteers and 12+ club facilitators for each school partner. Indirectly, this education initiative has reached an estimated 2,000+ school community members and 8,000+ village residents.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
R&S Rwanda emphasizes strong and lasting partnerships to expand its reach and impact. They have signed a partnership agreement with the Rwanda Development Board to strengthen conservation collaboration. Their collaboration with DP World, which began in 2022, has enabled the Jane Goodall Institute Global to manage small internal grants, supporting Roots & Shoots offices and multinational teams.
DP World also contributes through its global education platform, offering resources on trade and sustainability. The program's success is evident in the positive response from students, teachers, and community members in the Gishwati-Mukura neighborhoods.
Youth Empowerment
Empowering young people is central to the Roots & Shoots model. The program encourages youth to understand the power of their voice and actions to create change, fostering compassion, determination, and collaboration.
Legacy and Inspiration
Roots & Shoots Rwanda continues to honor Dr. Jane Goodall's remarkable life and enduring legacy. An event on October 16, 2025, brought together members and partners to share stories and memories of her inspiring work. A native tree was planted in her memory, and a book of remembrance was filled with heartfelt messages, reflecting on her lessons and pledging to continue her mission.
Dr. Goodall's message, "Together we can, together we will, together we must change the world," continues to inspire and guide the organization's efforts.
About Dr. Jane Goodall
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and United Nations Messenger of Peace, is a world-renowned ethologist and activist inspiring greater understanding and action on behalf of the natural world, and ourselves.
Dr. Jane Goodall believed that every individual can make a difference and that today's young people are some of the most compassionate, creative, change-makers our world has ever seen.
Young people driven to take action were one of her reasons for hope, which is why she created the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots program to empower and encourage youth of all ages to pursue their passion, mobilize their peers, and become the compassionate citizens our world needs to ensure a better future for people, other animals, and our shared environment.
"Young people, when informed and empowered, when they realize that what they do truly makes a difference, can change the world."
- Dr. Jane Goodall
Roots & Shoots Program
Founded by Dr. Jane Goodall in 1991, Roots & Shoots is a youth service program that empowers young people to create positive change in their communities. The program now operates in over 50 countries worldwide.
Global Recognition
Dr. Goodall has received numerous awards for her environmental and humanitarian work, including the Templeton Prize, the UNESCO 60th Anniversary Medal, and being named a UN Messenger of Peace.
Our Projects
Current initiatives creating meaningful impact
"Enhancing Eastern Chimpanzee Habitat Protection through Conservation Awareness in Schools Neighboring Gishwati-Mukura National Park"
Roots & Shoots Rwanda is currently implementing projects entitled "Enhancing Eastern Chimpanzee Habitat Protection through Conservation Awareness in Schools Neighboring Gishwati-Mukura National Park" which are E.P Umubano, G.S Bitenga B, and G.S Nyabirasi TSS.
It aims to raise awareness about the conservation of the endangered eastern chimpanzee, whose population is threatened by illegal human activities.
The project began in December 2024 with training sessions to inspire volunteers and facilitators to become conservation ambassadors within their schools and communities.
Project Details
Start Date
December 2024
Location
Gishwati-Mukura National Park neighboring schools
Target
Students, teachers, and community members
Focus Species
Eastern Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii)
Together We Can Change The World
"Together we can, together we will, together we must change the world."