By Adela

Wangari Maathai was born on: April 1, 1940

And died on: September 25, 2011

MAIN IDEA: Wangari Maathai was an environmental activist from Kenya.

Wangari Maathai joined the National Council of Women of Kenya (NCWK) in 1976. One year later she started the Green Belt Movement, the movement that organizes women to start pleanting trees. In the 1990s Wangari Maathai fought for fair elections against president Moi’s corrupt government. Wangari was elected to work as a politician.

CHILD HOOD: Wangari’s dad worked for Sir Neylan, a ruling British colonist. Wangari Maathai had five siblings. She was the oldest daughter. Wangari helped her mother by gathering

fire wood, cooking, and other important things. Her mother taught her that trees are much

more than wood, and she never forgot.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: When the British took over Kenya they insisted that Kenyans change their names, so Wangari was called Miriam during her childhood. When Wangari went

to college in America it was the time of segregation. Segregation was when Black people were treated differently, they were treated terribly. Black people could not go to the same restaurants or schools or swimming pools.

OBSTACLES

When Wangari was young she couldn't go to school because daughters have to help their mothers before getting married and having kids of their own.

One day Wangari’s brother Nderitu asked their mother “why doesn't Wangari go to school.”

A few days later Wangari went to school!

FUN FACTS

Wangari’s name means “She who belongs to the leopard”.

Wangari’s name may have made her feel as if she was part of the forest.

CHARACTER TRAITS:

Brave: Because Wangari was standing up to a very powerful president. President Moi could just order the police to put her in prison!

Determined: Wangari was determined to not let a single tree get cut down!

Hopeful: Wangari was hopeful that kids will be able to play with tadpoles in clear water under fig trees at the edge of great forests.

RELEVANCE INTO TODAY: Wangari Maathai was an important environmental activist and won a Nobel Peace prize in 2004. Wangari Maathai taught people that trees are much more than wood, and she taught us how to protect trees.