Education of course is a very empowering experience, so many people who went to school also managed to improve their quality of life much faster because they could get a job, they could get money, and with money you could buy things that you cannot buy if you don't have money.
Wangari MaathaiWe tend to put the environment last because we think the first thing we have to do is eliminate poverty and send children to school and provide health.
Wangari MaathaiUntil you dig a hole, you plant a tree, you water it and make it survive, you haven't done a thing. You are just talking.
Wangari MaathaiWe refuse to share resources; we govern irresponsibly. If we are confident, if we have some of our cultural values, then we would be more committed to assisting our people out of poverty and creating an environment that can make it possible for our friends to assist us.
Wangari MaathaiYou have to know yourself, and that once you know yourself, then you cannot be bound by - because sometimes we are bound by other people's thoughts, because we are not sure about ourselves. But once you know yourself... I guess it is really an expression of the biblical statements that the truth will make you free! When you know, then you are free, your mind is free.
Wangari Maathai