Empathy initiative aims to double programmes | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Rotorua school children are becoming more caring and considerate as a result of a special programme which involves them interacting with babies, participants say.

The classroom-based Roots of Empathy programme, founded by internationally-recognised educator Mary Gordon and involving classroom visits from a mother and her baby showing young children about caring for and nurturing infants, has been running for a year in Rotorua.

Introduced to Rotorua by Kaharoa School principal Warwick Moyle last year, the programme has reduced levels of aggression among school children and increased emotional competence and empathy.

Five Rotorua schools are now involved in the programme - Malfroy School, Horohoro Primary School, Kaitao Middle School, Kaharoa School and Selwyn Primary School.

"Next year we aim to have 10 programmes in operation," Mr Moyle said. Funding was being sought to do that.

"Over time, we hope to see Mary Gordon's vision of changing our world one child at a time become a reality for Rotorua," he said.

A ceremony for the programme's one-year celebration was held last week at the Rotorua District Council Chambers.

Hosted by Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters, the ceremony was also an opportunity to recognise and build on the partnership that had developed with the babies' families, Rotorua Trust, the council, Westpac Bank, the Government, Barnardos and Roots of Empathy Canada.

Stories were shared by parents, teachers, Roots Of Empathy instructors, mothers and students, highlighting the impacts the programme was having.

Kaharoa School student Constance Jefferson, whose class spent time with baby Ashton Nicholas, gave a speech describing her time with him.

The 9-year-old said she was happy her class had had the opportunity to see Ashton grow up during the nine months he visited them.

"I am an only child and I had never held a baby before. Mrs Nicholas, Ashton's mum, was so kind to let me hold baby Ashton."