Trees for Peace: The Story of Wangari Maathai

“The work of the Green Belt Movement stands as a testament to the power of grassroots organizing, proof that one person’s simple idea—that a community should come together to plant trees—can make a difference, first in one village, then in one nation, and now across Africa.”—President Barack Obama #storytime #biographies #childrensstories #childrensbook #readaloud #readaloudtokids #readaloudtochildren #readaloudstorybooks #reading #elementaryschoolreaders #booksforchildren #booksforblackchildren #goodchildrensbooks Wangari Muta Maathai (April 1, 1940 – September 25, 2011) was an internationally renowned political, environmental and social activist. In 1971, she became the first woman in both East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate (University of Nairobi). In 2004, Maathai became the first African woman as well as environmentalist to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. During her lifetime, Maathai worked tirelessly to end the devastation of Kenya's forests and lands caused by development. In 1977, she founded “The Green Belt Movement”, a non-governmental organization focused on environmental conservation, planting trees and women’s rights. Maathai conducted seminars about civic and environmental education and taught women the power of collaboration for peace, economic sustainability and democracy. "Women needed income and they needed resources because theirs were being depleted," Maathai explained to People magazine. "So we decided to solve both problems together." Because of Maathai’s leadership, sacrifice, and commitment, more than 30 million trees have been planted in Kenya. Moreover, over 30,000 women have been empowered with new skills and opportunities.