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, New Zealand, and Australia. 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, Roots of Empathy is conducting a three-year pilot program with the aim of having Roots of Empathy in each of the 35 elementary schools on the island by 2011.

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 has expanded to 20 classrooms in 2008 and will expand to 30 in 2009 as part of a three-year pilot.

Together, the Kirlin Charitable Foundation and the John and Nancy Sabol Foundation are raising the needed funds to deliver Roots of Empathy to schools in the Seattle and Kent school districts. They share with Roots of Empathy a vision of helping children and their families to become thoughtfully active and compassionate members of our global community.

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.

Roots of Empathy Founder/President Mary Gordon participated on two panels during the five-day event: "From Knowledge to Compassion Action: What We All Can Do" and "Compassion at Home, in Schools and the Community." You can watch the first panel, where Mary is in Dialogue with the Dalai Lama, here, along with many other events involving the Dalai Lama. Scroll through the list of events on the left-hand page, then click on the "play" icon that appears behind the event you wish to view.

To learn more about Seeds of Compassion, click here.

New Zealand

In 2007, working with the Peace Foundation in Auckland, Roots of Empathy launched a three-year pilot program in New Zealand.

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 was introduced to students in Year 5 (equivalent to Canada's Grade 5). The program was launched at 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. Next year, the program will be offered in in 60 schools in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

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.

Australia

Roots of Empathy has been offered in Australia since 2005. In 2008, programs are running in Perth, Western Australia.

Please direct inquiries regarding the international program to mail@rootsofempathy.org.