Empathy - A way to the human being

Topic(s) addressed

This project addressed the themes of social inclusion, and European cultural heritage and its contribution to job creation, economic growth, and social cohesion.

Target group(s)

The target group consisted of students aged 12 to 15 and their teachers.

Methodologies

Pupils had the opportunity to experience new forms of lessons such as the presentation of traditional musical instruments and interact with them. Students had the chance to meet people with disabilities, ask them questions, and see how they learn, shop, and cook. Participants learned about the real-life stories of Slovakian Jewish people and their history. They could also learn traditional Slovak dances and learn about traditional music and costumes.

Innovation environment

Through visiting a civic organisation, participants learned more about the abilities of people with disabilities and were taught empathy. Another activity was learning about the process of making flour and visiting a historical village and comparing it with their present way of living. In The Jewish Suburbia, students could see pictures and watch films about the living conditions of the Jewish people during World War II.

Teachers’ role

Teachers were taught how to improve their empathy, thus they can teach values like respect, tolerance, and understanding to the students. They became role models for their students. Social empathy was viewed as a fundamental aspect of being a responsible and helpful member of a community. Teachers come from a variety of backgrounds, so peer learning is a very helpful practice. The teachers can, therefore, be an inspiration for each other. 

Impact and output

The visits outside of the school during the project have changed the participants’ point of view and their understanding of empathy. Students implemented these feelings into their relationships with their families, friends, and local communities. After the project, these methods are still used when teaching students. This education style allows teachers to implement empathy into the teaching process. Results have been shared with 7 other schools in the town. Empathy has become a useful tool in workshops on bullying and cyberbullying in the school.

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