Remembering Dr. Jane Goodall: A Friend, Mentor, and Inspiration to TASIS England

Following the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, the TASIS England community is reflecting on nearly two decades of meaningful collaboration with her Roots & Shoots movement. Her message was always one of compassion, action and hope.

The partnership began in 2007, with students from across K-12 taking action for people, animals and the environment. The school's first Gold Award came in 2008, followed by three more, and students presented their projects at award ceremonies - often in front of Jane herself.

In 2015 teacher Ms. Wendy Gediman was one of only two educators invited to spend seven days at Windsor Castle with Jane, the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots Global. "It was an amazing opportunity to spend each day working on projects with Jane and hearing her stories," she remembers. "I was proud to share the work our TASIS England students were doing." A year later Upper School student Isabella Harford won the Roots & Shoots Most Outstanding Individual Award, given to just one person each year.

In 2017 Jane came to campus to speak to students. Ms. Gediman drove her from Bournemouth - "terrifying", she admits, but an honor - and over a quiet lunch Jane met Ms. Gediman's rabbit, Baxter, who went on to appear in Jane's "Animal Friends Around the World" the following year.

TASIS students have featured in birthday tributes, Roots & Shoots videos and a two-page spread in National Geographic Kids. Their wildlife pond, built with Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue, won a special award presented by Brian May of Queen.

"Jane touched all of us - her care for all life, her perseverance, and her kindness made a lasting impact," says Ms. Gediman. "They've learned from her to take action and make a positive difference in the world."

Were you part of Roots & Shoots at TASIS? Share your story - we would love to hear it.