Developing Empathy

Why Animals Matter

Building Young People’s Empathy for Animals

Why Animals Matter is a new workshop from The Empathy Project and GenEarth

We’ve partnered to design and deliver this workshop, nurturing children’s natural curiosity about animals, while helping them grow in kindness, perspective-taking, and confidence in expressing their ideas.

A young girl with short brown hair wearing a colorful shirt and yellow pants sits with legs crossed, raising her hand in a classroom or group setting, surrounded by other children.

The Issue

Research has consistently shown that when young people form affectionate bonds with animals they display increased empathy and kindness towards others, higher self esteem, and significantly reduced stress and anxiety.

Animal agriculture is increasingly recognised as a leading driver of climate breakdown, nature loss and animal suffering at scale. Alongside this, our societies are becoming more divided, with young people carrying the weight of growing polarisation.

The need for empathy has never been more urgent, yet it remains largely absent from the curriculum.

About the Programme

Using storytelling, short films and guided discussion, young people are invited to consider the lives of animals, their needs, their relationships and their experiences  and what it means to share a planet with them.

A woman with glasses and dark curly hair smiling and holding a remote control in a classroom, with children in the foreground and colorful shelves and supplies in the background.

In this programme, young people will:

  • Build a deep sense of empathy for animals by recognising them as living beings with their own needs, personalities and relationships.

  • Develop critical thinking, oracy and persuasive communication skills.

  • Connect animal welfare to the broader systems and decisions that shape how we treat the natural world.

This workshop is strongly linked to PSHE. Topics are of course explored in an age-appropriate and thoughtful way, with a focus on understanding and empathy rather than judgement.

How does the programme work?

This 90-minute, fully facilitated workshop is interactive, engaging, and carefully structured to support participation from all students. Through a blend of discussion and simple activities, pupils are encouraged:

  • To share their ideas

  • To listen to others 

  • To reflect on how their actions can make a positive difference

‘We enjoyed an excellent workshop run by Laura and Bel. They were both extremely positive and passionate about what they do, and supported the children so well throughout. The workshop itself was very engaging and pitched perfectly for the class. Many of the children were still talking about the videos and animals they 'met' after the workshop had ended. Not only did you share the importance of empathy towards animals, but also how crucial human connection, teamwork and resilience are - a life lesson for the children.’

- ANNA BYRANT, CLASS TEACHER WHITEHEATH JUNIOR SCHOOL

What are teachers saying?

Group of schoolgirls in black uniforms and ties, one holding a microphone, smiling during a school event.

‘GenEarth's Why Animals Matter workshop provided a wonderful opportunity for our Year 5 and 6 children to develop empathy, critical thinking and communication skills. The engaging and age-appropriate activities encouraged thoughtful discussion and enabled the children to explore important themes with maturity and compassion. We would highly recommend this workshop to other schools.’


- MRS KAN, WHITEHEATH JUNIOR SCHOOL

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The Impact

By taking part, students will …

Build Empathy

For animals and the world around them

Strengthen Oracy

And listening skills through guided discussion

Discover

Simple, meaningful ways to show kindness to animals in their local area

GenEarth in your school

Get in touch with your details and be the first book this programme for your school.

Complete this short form, and one of our team will get back to you for a chat, and to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to speaking!

Book this Programme
for your school

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions?

  • We are able to offer all workshops in person for London only during the pilot roll out (September - December 2026)

  • As a pilot, we are currently able to offer this workshop for free in exchange for teacher and student feedback.

  • Please notify us ASAP to make any changes to your booking. Please note if you cancel a workshop within two working days of the workshop delivery date we will have to apply a charge. Please contact info@genearth.uk for further information.

  • Teachers are required to be present throughout the duration of the workshop to support the students, to ensure all the AV equipment is set up in advance and to print a small amount of worksheets.