“Be the light in someone’s life”
EmpathyLab was founded in 2014 by Miranda McKearney – founder of the Summer Reading Challenge, Craig Hill, Sarah Mears and Caroline Scott .
The founding principals are
‘Read stories. Build empathy. Make a better world.’
“ ‘It is the first UK organisation to build children’s empathy, literacy and social activism through a systematic use of high-quality literature. We believe that empathy is a beacon of hope in a divided world, and vital for young people’s life chances’ ”
In 2019 Empathylab, supported by Nesta’s Future Ready Fund initiated a pilot scheme working with Pentrehafod Secondary School and the 7 feeder primary schools introducing the Empathy lab programme which supported the new curriculum for Wales 2022 emphasis on empathy.
The feeder primary schools in Swansea are Brynhyfryd, Burlais, Clwyd, Gwyrosydd, Hafod, Plasmarl and Waun Wen who have all been working in partnership with empathylab and their local libraries to support this project.
This year the themes we are focusing on are – Loneliness, Homelessness and Refugees
“Toffee By Sarah Crossan
A beautifully written book that stirred every emotion within me. The characters really came alive and I loved that not many words were needed to create the feelings and tension throughout the story. I couldn’t put it down.” ”
“Bright Bursts of Colour” By Matt Goodfellow
This poetry collection has so many wonderful stories, characters, and lessons in it. Filled with good talking points and situations to help explain complex emotions to children, as well as fun, short poems that are as often hilarious as they are informative.
THOMAS
“Lubna and Pebble” By Wendy Meddour
A beautifully illustrated story, touching on life as a refugee and the power of friendship in uncertain times. A perfect book for explaining or starting conversations with young children about refugee lives, friendship and empathy.
LYNNETTE
Last year we decorated windows in the community with Empathy hearts for families to spot on their empathy walks.
This year we are asking families to call into the library to collect their Empathy colouring picture that they can display in their windows for any Empathy walkers to spot.
be_the_light.pdf (sirsidynix.net.uk)