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Roots of Empathy in Newfoundland and Labrador |
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Roots of empathy can change the world because then, people would be kinder and know how to treat each other. Then you wouldn't hear on the news and on talk shows about people fighting and getting hurt.”
- Grade 4 Student, Whitbourne, Newfoundland
Since 2001, when Roots of Empathy was first introduced into eight classrooms in the southwest region of Newfoundland, 8,575 children across the province have benefited from the Roots of Empathy approach to developing social and emotional literacy.
Over the last 10 years, 343 babies with the Roots of Empathy program have played an important role as the youngest teachers in the province’s classrooms, joined by their proud parents. Hundreds of educators have welcomed these volunteer families into their class communities and witnessed dramatic growth in their students’ capacity for empathy.
The Roots of Empathy program in this province was initially established with the help of grants from National Crime Prevention and the RCMP. The Community Youth Network in the Southwestern Region took a lead in that initiative. Expansion from 2005 until the present was made possible with funding from the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation and strong community support, which continues to this day. Additionally, the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador contributes to the expansion of the program through Health and Community Services Provincial Wellness grants and regional Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Funds. The United Way has also been a supporter of the program as have the O'Neill Foundation and the Fry Family Foundation.
With the assistance of more than 30 local education authorities, family foundations, service agencies and companies, either through funding or in-kind support, over ninety Instructors, Mentors and local program coordinators or Key Point People are presently active in the province’s communities. These individuals have the opportunity to develop an exceptional skill set highly valued in education, social services, health and related fields. They are supported by two Atlantic Managers who are based in Newfoundland, one of whom is the Senior Mentor for the Atlantic area.
In Newfoundland & Labrador, Roots of Empathy is offered in both English and French and in urban, rural, Aboriginal and remote communities. In the 2010-11 school year, the number of Roots of Empathy programs increased in all four Districts, and especially on the west coast. There are presently 2000 children participating in 80 Roots of Empathy programs found in 54 schools across the province. Of these, five programs are delivered to classes in Aboriginal communities and the first French language program has been introduced to a French immersion class in Torbay.
For feedback from Newfoundland and Labrador students and teachers participating in Roots of Empathy please read the 2009-10 Newfoundland and Labrador Feedback Report . 
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