Launched in 1999-2000, the Roots of Empathy program in British Columbia has engaged nearly 90,000 children.
"The Roots of Empathy program is a cornerstone of our anti-bullying strategy in B.C., with babies teaching young children the core values of kindness, trust, empathy and respect."
- Premier Christy Clark
A 'Tiny Teacher' enjoying the Vancouver baby celebration.
Premier Christy Clark reading with a 'Tiny Teacher' at the 2012 Vancouver Baby Celebration.
British Columbia was one of the first provinces in Canada to offer the Roots of Empathy program.
Under the leadership of Professor Kimberly Schonert-Reichl of the University of British Columbia, a study was conducted to measure the efficacy of Roots of Empathy as a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program. Findings indicate that relative to the control group, students in Roots of Empathy classrooms were significantly more likely to be viewed as exhibiting prosocial behaviours by their peers and considered by teachers to be engaging less frequently in proactive and relational aggression.
After completing the Roots of Empathy program, 89% of British Columbia students reported understanding how other people feel.
Roots of Empathy programs are supported in British Columbia by:
Find out more about Roots of Empathy and how you can be involved as a volunteer family or Instructor in British Columbia,
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