Roots of Empathy Launches First Programs in Continental Europe
5 November 2012: Roots of Empathy officially launched its first ever German-language programs in Germany today, at Hudson Loft in Bremen. The event was attended by 200 dignitaries and representatives from government, education, private and public organizations. Roots of Empathy Founder/President Mary Gordon was on hand to introduce the program and welcome its supporters. “We’re delighted to be launching Roots of Empathy in Germany, with this first implementation in Bremen,” noted Gordon.
Mary Gordon (2nd from left) visits a Roots of Empathy class in Bremen, Germany.
Imme Adler hosted the event, as Director of A.P.I. Foundation, the lead agency responsible for bringing Roots of Empathy to Germany. Including guests from across Germany, the evening included a performance by internationally-renowned pianist Joja Wendt, and was deemed a success by all who attended.
As Thomas Bendlin, Director of Oberschule an der Helgolander Straße, one of the schools participating in the pilot, remarked, "We recognize a decreasing capacity for the development of empathy, and we thank Mary Gordon for creating this innovative program to raise social/emotional competencies, including empathy. We are delighted to be one of the first three schools in Germany to introduce Roots of Empathy to our pupils, and look forward to its positive effects."
Read about Mother Janne, with "Tiny Teacher" Onno, in BILD's coverage of a classroom visit, here.
”Mary Gordon is recognized as the voice and face of empathy internationally, and continues to advance her mission to change the world, child by child through Roots of Empathy,” remarked Konstanze Frischen, Founder of Ashoka Germany and Leadership Group Member of Ashoka Global. “Ashoka is very excited that this innovative social and emotional learning program is coming to children in Germany.”
See photos and a German-language article covering the event, here.
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