Every year I'm asked "Why empathy?"

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It's simple. Empathy is the one skill that underpins the vital elements that are needed to succeed whilst also improving wellbeing.
 

Empathy is a 21st century survival skill. In an evermore globalised world, we need to be able to communicate and work with those from all nationalities, backgrounds and ethnicities - even if we don't agree with them. It's so vital for building relationships, whether they are personal or professional.

The evidence is amounting, the research is strengthening. We know that empathy increases creativity, it can even help reduce racial bias and has a role to play in reducing cyberbullying. This is just some of the latest research that has shown a light on the power of developing the empathetic skill set in the past few years - not to mention our own research with Cambridge University.

Empathy Week exists to build the skill of empathy in students and build an #EmpathyGeneration. A generation that seeks to understand before acting, that is trained in conflict avoidance, that can see the perspectives of others and becomes more selfless for the greater good. There is a reason Forbes and the World Economic Forum  are highlighting empathy as the most important leadership skill.

Empathy Week exists to also be exciting, inspiring and move students into action. I've seen the power that our programme has by visiting Sundarmala and Sangam (seen on the left) in Kathmandu in February 2022. Winning the Global Empathy Award in 2021, Sundarmala told me how it changed her father's view on her own education. Winning the award turned her father into a supporter of her education rather than a critic. It's just one example of a programme that can change whole school communities.

I've been a teacher, I understand the struggles of the classroom and so do my team. It's why now we're able to produce a programme so detailed, research-led and captivating. Join us as we continue to build the #EmpathyGeneration in 2023.