The world of Tzu Chi December 2024 (Vol.152)

2024 • 12 28 ocal News An Evening With Dr. Jane Goodall: ‘Reasons for Hope’ KL & Selangor I 21.11.2024 By Teh Su-Ching Photo by Ch’ng Kooi Tick O n November 21, 2024, the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall was abuzz with excitement as visitors from across Malaysia and beyond gathered to hear the iconic Dr. Jane Goodall share her message of hope. Volunteer Yeo Kar Peng began the evening by introducing Tzu Chi’s history and values. Established in 1966, Tzu Chi has championed sustainability, compassion, and the power of small acts of kindness to create meaningful change. The spotlight then turned to Dr. Goodall, whose diminutive frame belied her towering contributions to conservation and humanitarianism. She began her talk with childhood memories of her mother’s encouragement to explore nature. One such story described a young Jane’s hours-long vigil in a henhouse to observe a hen laying an egg—a moment her mother supported rather than discouraged. Her passion for animals led her to Africa, where she worked with Dr. Louis Leakey. He entrusted her with the groundbreaking task of studying wild chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania. After overcoming initial challenges, her persistence bore fruit when she observed David Greybeard, a chimpanzee, using tools—a discovery that rewrote the boundaries of human exceptionalism and earned her recognition from National Geographic. For over six decades, Dr. Goodall deepened humanity’s understanding of animals, showing their intelligence, emotions, and personalities. However, she also witnessed the devastating consequences of deforestation, climate change, and industrial agriculture. Driven by the need for urgent action, she launched initiatives to protect ecosystems and empower communities through education and sustainable practices. ‘Reasons for Hope’ Despite the challenges, Dr. Goodall delivered a message grounded in hope, structured around four pillars: 1. Youth: She shared the success of her Roots & Shoots programme, launched in 1991, which has inspired young people in over 70 countries to take action for animals, people, and the environment. 2. Nature’s resilience: She highlighted instances of ecosystems recovering and species rebounding, proving the potential for coexistence when humans commit to change. 3. The human spirit: Stories of individuals overcoming adversity affirmed her belief in humanity’s capacity for goodness. 4. Action: “Hope,” she stressed, “is not passive. It must be accompanied by action.” She urged the audience to reflect on their environmental footprint, take small yet impactful steps, and foster a collective vision of a sustainable, peaceful world.