Wangari Maathai: A Hero

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Being born in a wealthy country, children are taught that if they want something they must work for it themselves. In Kenya, the people believed that they did not have the skills to address their problems and that help had to have come from the “outside”. However, Wangari Maathai just so happened to have the spirit to step up and help her country. A hero is described as a person whom is admired for courage, outstanding achievements and noble qualities. Wangari Maathai is a hero because she founded an organization to preserve the environment, made continuous efforts for peace, and helped her people’s cultural thrive.
Wangari has been recognized around the world for her organization called the Green Belt Movement that planted over 30 million trees. She was born in a small village in Kenya where she had to walk to get the resources needed to take care of her family. However, soon the Kenyan government started cutting down …show more content…

As forests were being cut down, she noticed that many native plants were becoming sparse. Wangari stated during one of her speeches, “The Green Belt Movement explores the concept of cultural biodiversity, especially with respect to indigenous seeds and medical plants” (Brenda and Lee Lerner 468). Her program realized that the natural plant of the land were important and should be respected. Wangari wanted to help her people re-discover their history and roots where they lived. “…historically our people have been persuaded to believe that because they are poor, they not only lack the capital, but also knowledge… in the process, the participants discover that they must be part of the solution” (Brenda and Lee Lerner 468). The people of Kenya got caught up in all the “privileges” of modern life. They forgot their history and what used to be idolized in their culture. Wangari cared a lot for not only the planet but for her people as

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