Exciting new partnership launched between Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots and the Emirates Literature Foundation

Posted on December 10th, 2020.

Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots has formed an exciting new partnership with the Emirates Literature Foundation, to promote creative writing, engage with literature and foster a deeper understanding of the
Sustainable Development Goals in children. Through the partnership, Roots & Shoots will be twinned with the Voices of Future Generations initiative, a creative writing competition under the patronage of UNESCO that encourages children to write adventure stories featuring sustainable themes. The two initiatives will create a virtuous chain of sustainability awareness and drive positive action.

HH Sheikha Maytha bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been named Goodwill Ambassador for Roots & Shoots UAE, and HH Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Goodwill Ambassador for Voices of Future Generations Middle East. Together the sisters aim to ensure children today grow up with a mastery of reading and writing coupled with the awareness and drive to protect
the environment and vulnerable communities, in order to create a more sustainable world.

The Emirates Literature Foundation will drive the growth of the initiative across the seven emirates of the UAE and the wider region, with an aim to create immersive, creative learning opportunities, field trips, and science projects. Twinning the two initiatives will give a comprehensive sustainability- themed path for children to follow from a young age up to adulthood. A ehT knowledge and understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals through creating their own stories, gives young people a voice on a global platform, and a way to encourage others to take up the challenge.

Dr Jane Goodall said: “Roots & Shoots encourages children to get together to implement practical positive change for people, animals and the environment. We are lucky to have such a passionate advocate for nature as our Goodwill Ambassador, and I can’t wait to see what the children of the UAE will accomplish with her support.”

“Stories can change lives. The power of words should never be underestimated; they show us that it is possible to achieve what we otherwise wouldn’t even have imagined. If we can offer this world of possibilities to the children of today, I have no doubt they will be able to build a better tomorrow for all of us,” said Isobel Abulhoul OBE, CEO and Trustee of Emirates Literature Foundation.

Voices of Future Generations is a unique writing initiative, held under the patronage of UNESCO, created to promote sustainability awareness and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The competition, for children aged 8 – 12, encourages children to write adventure stories about characters overcoming challenges and creating a more tolerant, sustainable world. For more information see vofg.vofgarabia.org