Roots of Empathy launched in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2001.
History
Curriculum
Every year, we’ve had almost 100 Newfoundland and Labrador babies “teaching” in classrooms.
Our programs are offered in both French and English and in Indigenous communities.
Consider these compelling statistics that underscore the connection between Roots of Empathy and positive mental health and wellbeing:
- 96.3% of teachers agreed or strongly agreed that the Roots of Empathy program supported students’ mental health and wellbeing
- 97.7% of students reported that their Roots of Empathy Baby helped them to understand that every baby has the right to be loved
- 94.2% of students reported that they try to be kind to everyone, even if they are different from them
(Latest Newfoundland & Labrador APE stats updated June 2025)
Support
Roots of Empathy programs are supported by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as regional agencies and community funders.
Newfoundland and Labrador Children’s Art
Kindergarten/Grade 1 Student, Rushoon, Newfoundland & Labrador (2021)
I helped someone who was feeling “sad.”
“Kindergarten children develop emotional literacy in their Roots of Empathy class when they learn about a baby’s feelings. This gives them the vocabulary to understand their own feelings. There are many activities in the Roots of Empathy program that help children to understand the feelings of their classmates. Emotional literacy helps children to regulate their emotions and it also helps them with altruism. Here a little boy draws an action picture of a child being hurt and because he has empathy, he understands that the child will feel sad and goes to his aid. He is the kind of citizen we need to build a more caring, peaceful and civil society.” – Founder/President Mary Gordon
Grade 1 Student, Gander Bay, Newfoundland & Labrador (2019)
What can Roots of Empathy teach the world? “Roots of Empathy can teach the world to be [kind].”
“Six-year-old Kierran from Gander has drawn a picture where a stranger understood his fear and upset after a car accident. The stranger demonstrated empathy, “Are you ok?”. In order to be kind, we first must have empathy to be able to imagine how the other person feels. Gander is known worldwide for its empathy in the 9/11 empathic response. It is interesting that the day of Kierran’s trauma had a black sky.” – Founder/President Mary Gordon
Kindergarten Student, Twillingate, Newfoundland & Labrador (2021)
I helped someone who was sad, frightened or lonely when “I gave Emily a flower.”
“Children in the Roots of Empathy program develop friendships in the classroom. Friendships that children are able to sustain pave the way for relationship building all their lives. Children are able to make friends because Roots of Empathy supports them in knowing how to connect to others through our shared feelings. This empathic capacity will not only help children in their personal lives but will build a citizenry that has the capacity to be inclusive, to embrace diversity, and to build peace.” – Founder/President Mary Gordon
What Newfoundland & Labrador teachers and students say
To learn more about our Newfoundland & Labrador programming, contact: