Knowledge is power, and equipping young activists and citizens with an understanding of the problems facing the environment is key to supporting their fight for and right to a better, safer future. How can we create accessible educational programs that encourage and support young people in becoming planetary citizens and stewards of nature? 

In a youth-led GLF Live, Camille Sylvester from Roots & Shoots – the program founded three decades ago by Dr. Jane Goodall – shares her perspective on developing projects that nurture young people’s interest and actions for building a better world.

Camille (Cami) Sylvester is a junior at UC Berkeley, studying molecular environmental biology with an emphasis in animal behavior. She has been involved with Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program since 2015 and has served on the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) for four years, where she is part of a team of youth leaders who plan community-based projects, mentor Roots & Shoots members and represent the youth voices of the Jane Goodall Institute. 

Growing up, Cami loved to spend time outdoors and became interested in environmental conservation. After founding her Roots & Shoots group in high school, she led projects including community clean-ups, educational environmental seminars and the establishment of campus gardens, creating a strong network of people passionate about environmental issues and developing strong leadership skills.