Roots of Empathy teaches the world that everyone has feelings and is unique in their own way.”

 

- Grade 4 student in Manitoba

Manitoba was one of the first provinces in Canada to offer the Roots of Empathy program. It began in 2001 in the Seine River School District. Since then it has flourished with the strong support of Healthy Child Manitoba.

Canada’s first French programs were nurtured in Manitoba and became models for programs throughout Canada. Manitoba has also made a significant contribution to French language Instructor training across the country, to Aboriginal children across Manitoba and to an important research project measuring the program’s effectiveness.

Since 2001, more than 26,000 Manitoba children from kindergarten to Grade 8 have worked with Roots of Empathy’s “tiny teachers” to explore their feelings and develop emotional literacy. In 2010-11 nearly 6,000 children are experiencing the program in more than 230 classrooms.

The Government of Manitoba has been a key partner in supporting Roots of Empathy, putting it at the forefront of a global movement to create a more caring, peaceful and civil society through the development of empathy in children. Healthy Child Manitoba is an initiative of the provincial cabinet bringing together government departments and communities to improve the well-being of Manitoba's children and youth.

Many community-based agencies across Manitoba contribute Instructors, Mentors, or local program coordinators to Roots of Empathy. As well, hundreds of non-teaching school board staff  have been trained as program Instructors. More than 1,000 babies have brought their magic into the hearts of Manitoba children.

Manitoba has maintained a strong commitment to bringing Roots of Empathy to Aboriginal children and is hosting more than 30 programs in First Nations communities this year, as well as reaching Aboriginal children in all programs across the province.

Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based program and Manitoba has contributed to the body of research through a randomized control trial initiated in 2001.  The research indicated that for Manitoba boys and girls in all grade levels, the Roots of Empathy program had statistically significant beneficial effects including reduced aggression and increased positive behaviour.