12/10/2025
We lost a true trailblazer, a scientist, an activist and an inspiration last week with the passing of Dr Jane Goodall.Â
I participated in some of her âRoots & Shootsâ programs as a secondary student. They get students to investigate and take action in 3 areas within the categories of; 1. People, 2. Environment, & 3. Animals. The welfare of all 3 are linked and she taught how empathy and helping one group often lifts the others.
I started volunteering for the Jane Goodall Institute HK in 2010. I was in the audience for to hear her speak many times at locations from local primary schools, to VIP receptions over the years.  She empowered people to take action and not to be frozen in apathy.
In 2012 I was lucky to be part of a wonderful Fellowship with The Do School (then named Dekeyser & Friends) and Dr Jane in Hamburg. While I was there, her speeches were being studied. She was uniquely able to use positive and hopeful language to inspire in the areas of environmental and animal activism, which can often be anxiety inducing. Â
In 2017 I created a LEGO Ideas project about her and her groundbreaking discovery in 1960 that animals create and use tools. Humans were no longer the lone âtool makersâ setting us apart from animals. She documented chimpanzees modifying sticks to âfishâ for termites. My LEGO set didnât gather enough votes to be produced. However, with the idea âout there in the etherâ, LEGO did end up producing their own version in 2022. I hope that the many tributes to her from LEGO to Barbie to countless books will allow her to continue to inspire as a role model.
I will continue to learn from, and be inspired by Dr Jane. Her impact is immensly positive. I am thankful for the difference she has made to me.