Knowledge is power, and equipping young activists and citizens with an understanding of environmental issues is essential to support their struggle and their right to a better and safer future. How can we create accessible educational programs that encourage and support young people to become citizens of the planet and stewards of nature?
In a youth-led GLF Live, Camille Sylvester of Roots & Shoots – the program founded three decades ago by Dr Jane Goodall – shares her perspective on developing projects that nurture youth interest and action to build a better world.
Camille (Cami) Sylvester is a junior at UC Berkeley, studying molecular environmental biology with a focus on animal behavior. She has been involved with Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program since 2015 and served on the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) for four years, where she is part of a team of young leaders who plan community projects, mentor Roots & Shoots members and represent the voices of the young people of the Jane Goodall Institute.
Growing up, Cami enjoyed spending time outdoors and became interested in environmental conservation. After founding her Roots & Shoots group in high school, she spearheaded projects such as community clean-ups, environmental education seminars, and setting up gardens on campus, creating a strong network of people passionate about environmental issues and developing strong leadership skills.