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 launched in Seattle, Washington, in the fall of 2007. The program was offered in 10 classrooms in six schools in the Seattle area, in grades 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. The program expanded to 20 classrooms in 2008 and then expanded again to 38 in 2009 as part of a three-year pilot.

The funding support for the first launch of the program in the United States has been provided by The John and Nancy Sabol Foundation.

Roots of Empathy was brought to the Seattle as part of the broader Seeds of Compassion initiative. A key goal of Seeds of Compassion is to promote evidenced-based programs that successfully build the foundations of learning and compassion in children and youth, and Roots of Empathy fulfills this goal. Seeds of Compassion organized a major event in Seattle in April 2008 to engage the hearts and minds of the community by highlighting the vision, science, and programs of early social, emotional, and cognitive learning. Featuring His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other dignitaries, this community-focused event celebrated and explored the relationships, programs and tools that nurture and empower children, families and communities to be compassionate members of society.

To learn more about Seeds of Compassion, click here.

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.