Everyone at the English College in Prague has been deeply saddened by the news that Dr Jane Goodall has died, aged 91.
Jane Goodall was world-renowned for her pioneering research on chimpanzees in Tanzania. She was the first to observe that chimpanzees used sticks as tools, which changed how we view animal behaviour. Over a career that spanned more than six decades, Dr Goodall went on to become a passionate campaigner for wildlife conservation and environmental education. Through the Jane Goodall Institute and her youth programme, Roots & Shoots, she inspired millions around the world to protect nature and act with kindness towards animals and one another.
We were therefore delighted to welcome her to the English College last year. She spoke to students about her life, her ground breaking work and the urgent need to care for our planet. She reminded us that “every individual can make a difference.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Emma Goldberger, receiving the Dr Jane Goodall prize for ESS from Denis Keefe, Chairman of Governors
One student who was particularly moved by Dr Goodall’s visit was Emma Goldberger. Emma was this year’s recipient of the Dr Jane Goodall prize for Environmental Systems and Societies. She reflects on what the award means to her: “It was a great honour for me to win her prize. As history was being written during the worst conflicts of mankind, chimpanzees, elephants and whales were sharing this earth. Dr Jane Goodall inspires me to continue fighting for our planet’s future and protection of wildlife. I’m hopeful we can keep on building on Dr Goodall’s legacy of conservation, care and kindness.”
Dr Goodall’s Legacy
Dr Goodall’s visit to ECP was inspirational for everyone who attended her lecture and we will all remember her mesmerising chimpanzee calls. Her legacy will be to provide an example to our students. Dr Goodall’s message – that every individual counts – will always remain at the heart of our values at ECP. Those words will continue to resonate with us and her extraordinary legacy will remain an inspiration as we all strive to care for our planet.
Message from the first holder of the Dr Jane Goodall prize, Eliška Paterson:
On the 1st of October the world lost a great soul, Dr. Jane Goodall. She is known for her work with chimpanzees and her many contributions to the environmental movement. When I heard the news about Dr. Goodalls passing, it was right after I had had a conversation with my colleague about what a privilege it was to receive the Jane Goodall prize for ESS and how interesting I have been finding her book, which she kindly gifted to me.
“The book of hope” explains Dr. Goodall’s reason for hope in the future through examples of situations where populations and ecosystems had come back from the dead. However, these spectacular events only took place when actions were taken. She highlights the need for more people to use their frustration with today’s world to fight for a better future. Dr. Jane Goodall inspired so many, especially the youth, to take a stance and demand change. “Please, please rise to the challenge, inspire and help those around you, play your part. Find your reason for hope and let them guide you onward.” – Dr. Jane Goodall
Eliška Paterson, the first holder of the Dr Jane Goodall prize for ESS