Remembering Dr. Jane Goodall: A Lifelong Friend and Inspiration to WAB  

Dr. Jane Goodall, world-renowned conservationist, UN Messenger of Peace, and founder of the Roots & Shoots program, has long been part of the Western Academy of Beijing’s story. Her passing is deeply felt across our community, where her message of hope, compassion, and action has inspired generations of WAB students to make a difference.  

Jane first visited WAB in 1997, forging a friendship that would help shape both our community and environmental education in China. With support from one of WAB’s founding teachers, Greg “Fella” McIsaac, and WAB Founder Michael Crook, Jane brought her Roots & Shoots program from Tanzania to China. The very first Roots & Shoots in the country was established on the original WAB campus, marking the start of a movement that would grow to more than 600 schools nationwide.  

Reflecting on her impact, Michael shared:  

“Jane liked to say: "Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference." This perfectly matches WAB mission to "Make a difference!” And another of Jane’s favourite sayings, “Together we can, together we will, together we must change the world,” perfectly captures our WAB spirit of Gong He, working together in harmony. I hope WAB continues Jane’s legacy.” 

Phil Cowell, who’s taught at WAB for 30 years, reflected: “My favourite Jane quote is “You can’t save chimpanzees or the forests without helping the people who live around them. When people are suffering, they will cut down the last tree to grow food. So if we want to protect the environment, we have to improve people’s lives.” She inspires me as an educator through her passionate, thoughtful observations and her spirit. Her contributions to the field of primatology and as an environmentalist and scientist is something that will stay with me.”  

Over the years, Jane visited WAB many times, leaving a lasting impression on students. From her 2012 Distinguished Speaker Series presentation to the 2016 Global Issues Conference themed “Hope for Humanity,” she inspired young people to see how small actions can spark meaningful global change. In 2014, she joined WAB and Roots & Shoots in celebrating their 20th anniversary, and in 2016, Jane’s presence at the Gala Paint the Town Red helped launch the Fund for Education and the Environment for Duck Lake (FEED), a long-term initiative transforming WAB’s wetlands into a living laboratory.  

 Her legacy at WAB was permanently honored last year when our community unveiled a bronze statue of Jane, generously gifted by Parent Link in celebration of WAB’s 30th anniversary. Head of School, Marta Medved Krajnovic says: “This statue stands as a symbol of lifelong curiosity, courage to explore new paths, and care towards all life around us. These are the values that continue to shape WAB’s learning environment and this is why this statue that stands in the middle of our campus and attracts learners of all ages is so meaningful for us.”  

As we remember Dr. Jane Goodall, we celebrate her life’s work and the countless ways she touched our community. Her message lives on in every WAB student who chooses compassion, action and hope. Together, we will do our best to continue her legacy.  

We invite our community to share their favorite memories and reflections of Dr. Jane Goodall on this Padlet. Together, we hope to preserve these stories for future generations of WAB students, so her spirit of compassion and action continues to inspire WABbies for years to come.