Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 13, 2024 11:03 am GMT
World-renowned conservationist Jane Goodall recently inspired young minds at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, during a Youth Environmental Summit. The event attracted hundreds, including children from the Cayman Islands and local students, all eager to learn how they can make a positive impact on the planet.
Empowering the Next Generation
Dr. Jane Goodall, known for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, emphasized the power of youth in conservation efforts. “All around the world, there are young people like you making a difference. So, my main reason for hope is you,” she told the crowd of enthusiastic children. Goodall’s message resonated strongly, particularly with the 30 elementary schoolchildren from the Cayman Islands who made the journey to connect with their peers in St. Petersburg.
Chaired by Goodall’s Roots and Shoots program, the summit encouraged students to brainstorm ideas for environmental action. The program, which offers small grants for youth-led projects, aims to support and amplify young voices in conservation.
Student Experience at the Summit
Participants like 11-year-old Simon Rivers Jr. from the Cayman Islands expressed their commitment to environmental action. “She has now inspired me to go and do beach cleanups more often, to go and spread awareness throughout my home country,” Rivers said, highlighting the significance of Goodall’s words. “We need to keep our environment clean and healthy for the sea life, forest life, and just life in general.”
On the Monday following the summit, Rivers and his classmates visited Indi-ED, a private nonprofit school in St. Petersburg, to continue their collaborative efforts. This partnership had been developing over the past year, with both schools dedicated to protecting the environment.
Building Connections and Ideas
The enthusiasm of both groups was evident as they shared a love for nature and conservation. Dressed in their distinctive school uniforms, the Caymans students participated in brainstorming sessions with their St. Petersburg counterparts. They exchanged ideas on various environmental initiatives.
One child from the Cayman Islands prompted discussions with a question about stopping deforestation. An Indi-ED teacher encouraged this collaborative spirit by saying, “I love the way that you all are building on each other’s ideas.”
A Shared Focus on Sea Turtles
The partnership between these schools began because of their mutual interest in protecting endangered sea turtles. This year, students from Indi-ED hosted a sea turtle awareness event at the St. Pete Pier, raising public consciousness about threats like habitat loss and plastic pollution.
“The turtles are like a natural treasure in the Cayman Islands,” stated Twanda Haughton, a teacher from the Cayman Islands. Haughton emphasized the importance of cross-cultural partnerships that expose students to different perspectives and realities.
Life-Changing Experiences
The collaborative efforts have already proven to be enriching for the students. In May, six Indi-ED children traveled to Grand Cayman, where they engaged in various activities, such as feeding stingrays and visiting a sea turtle center. Reflecting on her trip, 12-year-old Eva Spytek called it “one of the unique places I’ve ever been to.” She appreciated the connections made and the valuable lessons learned about the island’s culture and wildlife.
Rachel Pethe’, an Indi-ED teacher and leader of the school’s Roots and Shoots chapter, spoke about the transformative potential of this partnership. “A partnership like this can take ideas and fine-tune them in a way that we would not have had the opportunity if we didn’t have perspectives from different places in the world,” she explained.
Future Environmental Leaders
Students are not only buzzing with ideas but are also envisioning their futures. For instance, Jonte Jennings, 10, from the Cayman Islands dreams of starting a business focused on cleaning beaches in the Caribbean to combat plastic pollution. His aspiration to help build a healthier ecosystem shows an enduring commitment to conservation.
The collective enthusiasm culminated in a poignant moment, where all the children recited a powerful pledge together: “My thoughts become my words. My words become my beliefs. My beliefs impact my actions, and my actions create who I am. I love myself. I matter. I pledge to become a positive leader and my best self.”
A Lasting Legacy
The Youth Environmental Summit brought together students from diverse backgrounds with a shared vision of making a difference. Goodall’s empowering message left an indelible mark, reminding everyone that no matter their age, they can be agents of change.
“It’s just really hopeful to me,” said Donna Woods, an attendee at the event, reflecting on the potential of the children to carry forward Goodall’s legacy of environmental stewardship.
Jane Goodall is inspiring young people everywhere. The projects that come from this summit will help raise a new group of environmental leaders who care about making our planet healthier.
