About us
Rooted in a child’s witness to loss
What began as instinctive response to biodiversity loss has grown into a practical conservation movement anchored in tree growing, education and community stewardship.
Our beginning
The story behind Five Roots
The Foundation was born from a defining moment in 2024. At just 10 years old, Talia Birungi Kandole witnessed a small forest near her home—once alive with monkeys, birds and a wetland—disappear and be replaced by an apartment block. What had been a space for play, curiosity, learning and biodiversity became a symbol of loss.
Moved by what she had seen, Talia—with the support of her younger siblings Tamara, Timothy and Tabitha and friends in the neighbourhood—wrote a letter highlighting the need for wildlife and environmental protection. Even without knowing exactly where to send it, the message was clear: something needed to be done.
That moment created a wider calling: conservation should not remain only at the level of awareness. It should become practical action. It should involve children. It should help communities see that nature is not separate from life, identity, livelihoods, food, tourism and the future.
Campaign to foundation
From one million trees to lasting systems
The 1 Million Trees Planting Campaign launched on 17 April 2025 with an ambitious commitment to mobilise tree growing in Uganda. Through early partnerships and community support, the campaign created momentum for a more structured and sustainable platform. The Five Roots Foundation now provides that platform—shifting emphasis from tree planting alone to tree growing, ecosystem restoration, survival monitoring and long-term community stewardship.
Identity
What the name means
The Five Roots Foundation carries two meanings—our values and our programme model— united as one child and youth-inspired conservation movement.
Five values
Hope · Learning · Stewardship · Love · Identity
These roots shape Foundation culture, public messaging and the way we work with children, communities and partners every day.
Five programme roots
Nature · Leadership · Biodiversity · Livelihoods · Education
Strategic pillars for planning, budgeting, implementation and reporting across 2026–2030.
How we work
Strategic principles
Child voice with adult protection
Talia and other children lead through voice, creativity and inspiration, while adults handle legal, financial, operational and risk obligations.
Start deep before expanding wide
We build a few strong pilots before scaling across many districts—quality and stewardship first.
Tree growing, not only tree planting
Success is measured by survival, stewardship and local ownership—not numbers alone.
Conservation with livelihoods
Communities are more likely to protect ecosystems when conservation is linked to dignity, food security and opportunity.
Partnership first
We work through schools, communities, local governments, conservation authorities, tourism actors and private sector allies.
Evidence and learning
Every campaign should generate simple records, stories, results and lessons we can share and improve upon.
Geography
Where we begin
Our early strategic focus is western Uganda—especially Kyenjojo, Kabarole, Kikuube, Kasese and selected areas linked to the Albertine Rift landscape.
Pilot year
3–5 selected schools or community sites in one or two priority districts. Build proof of concept, systems and quality before expansion.
Consolidation
Expand within initial districts and strengthen linkages to conservation authorities and local governments.
Expansion
Scale to additional schools, communities and districts based on evidence and partnerships—using tested models, not assumptions.
Maturity
Consolidate the Foundation’s district model, evaluate impact and prepare the next strategic period.
Who we serve
Primary target groups
Children & youth
Especially those who can become climate and conservation ambassadors.
Women & youth groups
Interested in nature-positive livelihoods and resilient food systems.
Communities
Living near forests, wetlands, protected areas and biodiversity landscapes.
Schools & institutions
Teachers, clubs and local institutions hosting education and restoration.
Partners
Local leaders, tourism actors, conservation authorities and CBOs.
Walk with us
Help grow a generation of stewards
Whether you are a school, donor, tourism partner or community ally—there is a place for you in this movement.