These are the tales of the tortoise and the bushbuck, two unsuspecting creatures that one day were saved by kind-hearted young people¿just like you! And the good news is these tales are true!

It all begins with Eca Kimba and Rashidi Dieu Donne, two members of Roots & Shoots from the Lualaba Primary School, within the Lugufu Refugee Camp in western Tanzania.

The crowded and often unstable conditions of refugee camps can have a negative impact on the environment, as residents seek food, water and shelter. In 2001, the Lugufu Roots & Shoots group formed to help decrease this impact, promoting ecological stewardship among both refugees and local Tanzanians.

One day, Eca and Rashidi were out collecting firewood with four other friends when they came across a baby bushbuck. Their friends chased down the small antelope, intending to kill it for meat for their families. Luckily, Eca and Rashidi stepped in to save the bushbuck, explaining to the others that the innocent animal had a right to live, just as we do, and that it is illegal to hunt animals like chimpanzees and bushbuck for bushmeat.

An argument started between the friends but Eca and Rashidi finally told them, "If you decide to kill it, we will go to the police and report you, and we will also tell our head teacher."

The others were frightened by the warning and let the bushbuck go. Even though meat is scarce in the refugee camp, the young boys chose to put another life before their own, demonstrating true valor and leadership in protecting their wildlife and spreading the message of Roots & Shoots. They understand that by caring for people, animals and the environment they are ultimately caring for themselves.

And now for the tortoise!

Yet another Roots & Shoots member from Lugufu demonstrated a pure act of kindness from the forests of western Tanzania when she stuck up for a torotoise that was destined to become dinner.

While searching for firewood with a friend, Regina Etambo discovered the friendly fauna beneath a fallen log. Her friend thought it would make a tasty treat, but Regina asserted that it is our duty to protect animals and the tortoise had a right to live—a valuable tenet she learned as a Roots & Shoots member.

The tortoise now resides with Regina and her family, where it is safe from danger and is fed natural shrubs, mushrooms and lettuce.

How amazing, that even in the wake of struggle, these students have chosen to think and act toward the bigger picture by helping preserve the earth¿s creatures one at a time!

Members of Lugufu Roots & Shoots group are currently involved in wildlife conservation, bushmeat crisis education, natural regeneration, beekeeping and chicken rearing. The Roots & Shoots New England Youth Leadership Council is currently raising funds for Lugufu through its Peace Through the Arts Campaign.