Throughout the world, people were saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall on October 01, 2025. She was an inspiration to all who were involved with her work and organization. Peter Shaker's collaboration with her nonprofit many years ago influenced his commitment to empower young people. This commitment continues in his role as ELSS Executive Director.

During the 1994-95 school year, Peter played an important role in implementing Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots program in the United States, working closely with the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) during its early expansion into American schools. At a time when Roots & Shoots was just beginning to expand outside Tanzania and other African countries, Peter collaborated with JGI’s U.S. headquarters in Ridgefield, Connecticut, to establish one of the first Roots & Shoots programs in the country.

Focusing on nearby middle schools, Peter worked with educators, administrators, and students to implement the program’s mission: empowering young people to lead projects that benefit people, animals, and the environment. This local initiative reflected Dr. Jane Goodall’s vision of grassroots change driven by youth engagement, environmental education, and community-based action.

Through curriculum development, hands-on projects, and direct collaboration with JGI staff, Peter helped shape how Roots & Shoots would be adapted for the U.S. education system. His work with JGI not only introduced local students to the values of compassionate stewardship but also contributed to the foundation of a program that now reaches young people in over 75 countries. In 2024, there were around 10,000 active Roots and Shoots groups worldwide.

In February 1995, Jane Goodall visited the students in Peter's Roots and Shoots program, "which was quite awe-inspiring for everyone." He recalls that she was not feeling too well at the time but still made the effort to travel to the school and talk with the students. "The students had the opportunity to ask a number of questions and engage with Goodall about several topics and issues that were important to her. They especially enjoyed the various chimpanzee sounds that Goodall was exceptional at making." 

Goodall's connection with young people was incredibly powerful. Peter notes that "Jane Goodall instilled ecological and social equity awareness in countless young people throughout the globe, and her purpose and passion will be missed tremendously. Thank you, Dr. Goodall."