Launched by youth empathy education charity Narrative 4 Ireland, which was co-founded by author Colum McCann, this awards scheme aims to recognise and celebrate post-primary schools that promote empathy, kindness and connection among students and staff.
The initiative is being rolled out to schools across the country by Narrative 4 Ireland, who have trained hundreds of teachers and youth workers to help foster connection and empathy and to encourage positive relationships in the classroom.
The TG4 presenter Louise Cantillon is an awards ambassador for the scheme. She explains why she got involved: "I think we can all see why something like this is so timely. The world is very fractured at the moment, barriers are being reinforced and hate crimes and online bullying are rising. We need to dig deeper when it comes to bringing people back together.
"Empathy education cultivates vital life skills in young people. It increases awareness of diversity, improves social skills, and gives young people a sense of belonging and connection. The pandemic has been extremely difficult for young people and their teachers. It has isolated and separated us in different ways and stripped away important ways to connect, learn and grow together. Thankfully people are responding to these challenges, not least teachers and students out there."
The Narrative 4 Empathy School Award has three levels of recognition for schools: gold, silver and bronze. Among the requirements to win one of the awards, teachers must take part in empathy education online; school Empathy Charter, a 'Walk and Talk' Empathy Challenge, and learning modules for both students and staff.
Narrative 4 was co-founded in 2012 by New York-based Irish author Colum McCann, who went on to bring it to Ireland in 2016. Narrative 4 is a registered, award-winning charity base in Limerick city.
Find out about the Narrative 4 Empathy School Award at narrative4.ie.
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