International Program

In recent years, Roots of Empathy has expanded outside of Canada. The program is now offered in the Isle of Man, the United States, and New Zealand. Educators and government officials in many other countries have shown interest in bringing Roots of Empathy to their countries, and we expect to continue to expand internationally to reach more children.

Isle of Man

In October 2008 Roots of Empathy launched 10 programs in the Isle of Man, a self-governing island located in the centre of the British Isles.

With funding and support from the Island’s government and the Isle of Man’s Children’s Centre, Roots of Empathy is conducting a three-year pilot program with the aim of having the program in all 35 elementary classrooms on the island by 2011. In its second year, Roots of Empathy has expanded from 10 programs to 19 programs.

United States

Roots of Empathy first came to Seattle, Washington in the fall of 2007, with the generous support of The John and Nancy Sabol Foundation and the Kirlin Charitable Foundation. The program was initially offered in 10 classrooms in six schools in the Seattle area, reaching grades 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. It expanded to 20 classrooms in 2008-09 and 38 in 2009-10 as part of a three-year pilot.

To date, Roots of Empathy has brought the power of empathy to 1,700 children in the United States. Further growth is expected in Seattle in 2010-11.

A Roots of Empathy baby ("Teacher") at an elementary school in Kent, Washington.

New Zealand

Roots of Empathy was first introduced in 10 schools in Auckland at the beginning of 2007. In 2008, it expanded to Wellington with a total of 30 schools in the two cities. In 2009, the program took place in 60 schools in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has been a strong supporter of Roots of Empathy. "Early interventions such as this one are key to improving children's health and education, they reduce the likelihood of adult offending or long-term unemployment, and they help reduce family abuse or neglect," she said of the program.

Roots of Empathy has now partnered with Barnardos New Zealand, one of the country’s largest and most trusted children’s organizations. Together with Barnardos, Roots of Empathy will be able to provide a fourth year of programming to children in New Zealand.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, seen here with Roots of Empathy baby Toka, and mum Nina Charlie, attended the Launch Ceremony in Otara, Auckland on May 25, 2007.