As a young girl in Kenya, Wangari was taught to respect nature. She grew up loving the land, plants, and animals that surrounded her -from the giant mugumo trees her people, the Kikuyu, revered to the tiny tadpoles that swam in the river. Although most Kenyan girls were not educated, Wangari, curious and hardworking, was […]
Discover the true story of how environmentalist Farmer Tantoh is transforming the landscape in his home country of Cameroon. When Tantoh Nforba was a child, his fellow students mocked him for his interest in gardening. Today he’s an environmental hero, bringing clean water and bountiful gardens to the central African nation of Cameroon. Authors Miranda […]
Through artful prose and beautiful illustrations, Donna Jo Napoli and Kadir Nelson tell the true story of Wangari Muta Maathai, known as “Mama Miti,” who in 1977 founded the Green Belt Movement, an African grassroots organization that has empowered many people to mobilize and combat deforestation, soil erosion, and environmental degradation. Today, more than 30 […]
This picture book tells the inspiring story of Wangari Maathai, women’s rights activist and one of the first environmental warriors. Wangari began the Green Belt Movement in Kenya in the 1960s, which focused on planting trees, environmental conservation, and women’s rights. She inspired thousands across Africa to plant 30 million trees in 30 years and […]
This website includes background to two films on Wangari Maathai and links to purchase and view them. One film is a full length movie and the other is a seven-minute short film that the site recommends to accompany classroom tree planting. Teachers can also get access to multilanguage copies of the films by contacting the […]
This page of the Green Belt Movement website provides information on climate change, why it is important, and how it is affecting various areas and communities in Africa. This video highlights some of the real felt consequences of climate change that are currently unfolding and actions taken by communities to counteract these and protect future […]
“Etabo dreams of being a camel racer. One day he might even beat his older brother when they race. But with the price of water rising, Etabo’s father must sell the camels, and his siblings must find work. What will Etabo do now?” This picturebook tells the story of Etabo, a child who one day […]
The Forest of the Future is a magical story of friendship, understanding, respect for mother nature. This story helps shape the perspective of kids around the world to better understand climate change and the impact it has on not just our landscape and environment but also those of our neighbors across the globe. The Forest […]
Mangoshi lives with her mom and dad in a village near the forest. When her mom becomes ill, Mangoshi knows only one thing can help her—a special flower that grows deep in the forest. The little girl needs all her courage when she sets out alone to find and bring back the flower, and all […]
Janjay is back! This time she’s headed Upriver—a rural region in Liberia to visit her grandmother. At first, she’s not too excited to leave her friends behind during a long school break but then she meets Tania—an American girl also visiting Upriver and the two become fast friends. Along the way, the girls exchange different […]