An Introduction to Empathy (ages 14-16)

Empathy is the crucial leadership skill of the 21st century, allowing us to have a greater understanding of each other, increase our respect and appreciation and also navigate conflict with people no matter how different they are us.

We at Empathy Week have created this ‘Introduction to Empathy’ assembly for all school ages to kick start students thinking around what empathy actually is and framed around the question - ‘How would you change the world?’.

Empathy Week uses the power of film to develop the skill of empathy and this assembly is no different. Previously unseen footage from Empathy Week 2021 is included and features Habib, an Afghan refugee who claimed asylum in the UK - allowing students to see and hear a unique perspective on life.

**How to use this resource? **

Download and use within form time or as a year group assembly and get your students to start thinking about developing this skill crucial for personal wellbeing and professional development at school.

Want to develop empathy as a skill further in your school? Check out how you can below:

More on Empathy Week

Empathy Week is a global schools program that uses the power of film to develop the skill of empathy and leadership in every student each year. Over the past two years, the program has engaged 100,000 students in over 40 countries across 6 continents - our mission, to build an #EmpathyGeneration.

Each year 5 human films are made and delivered through the programme. in 2022 the theme is ‘Passion and Purpose’ and focuses on 5 individuals from across the UK. Dami, Lipa, Kwasi, James and Courtney. Their stories are powerful insights into their lives and cover themes such as racism, the power of sport, immigration, resilience, leadership, having Downs Syndrome, gender equality, mental health and more.

Crucially, our program is designed by qualified UK teachers, designed to fit around any timetable and curriculum constraints and offers a whole-school approach to developing empathy in the long term.

Empathy Week links and registration

• Watch the 2022 Empathy Week Trailer here

For more information please refer to our information pack and registration page:

Download our 2022 Schools information pack here.

Register your school here

Please also see our FAQS here