Support for language and citizenship skills in education, NT2 language training and other intercultural activities
We share more words with each other than ever. But how many people are really listening to each other, understanding each other? Not only are we distracted by technology, but we see leaders everywhere doing everything but “listening” to each other. Effective listening affects the way we “look” at another. By sharing stories and allowing children to engage in playful dialogue about topics they would otherwise not easily engage in, we learn to listen better to each other and discover what binds us, person to person. And we have more meaningful encounters. We develop cultural capital for ourselves, bringing cultures together and having a greater understanding of diversity in the global community.
‘A Journey to Empathy Land’ is a game that Connect2Us developed with psychology students from Tilburg University. The game has been deployed at several schools and in language cafes.
The goal of Empathy Land is to develop citizenship skills and intercultural skills in particular: through awareness, understanding and acceptance. Children develop understanding for each other, learn to think critically and thus arm themselves against unfounded opinions on and in (social) media. By playing the games students learn to respectfully discuss with each other and to stand up for their opinions. By doing so, the school invests in social emotional and citizenship skills and valuable encounters; it also increases social safety in the classroom and at school.
‘Empathy Land’ is a board game specifically designed to train players in the soft skills needed for successful intercultural interaction. Through the game principle, we encourage in the students intrinsic motivation to want to win the game, so that they have to really empathize with the other participants, their families and customs and at the same time their own.
Expertise Connect2us
Since its inception in 2016, the foundation has grown to include a group of intercultural communication experts, psychologists and educators; a team of more than 25 volunteers. In addition to the multicultural composition of the team and the life experience of those involved, there is high-quality expertise in the field of culture within the Foundation. The founders and a number of volunteers are associated with well-known Dutch scientist Geert Hofstede, who has validated the stories on our platform and our approach to them. Geert Hofstede has conducted world-renowned research on the differences between national cultures in how individuals and organizations, view each other and “others. His research is undoubtedly invaluable. First, because of the overwhelming amount of data covering pretty much the entire world and, second, because the dimensions in his research allow for relevant comparison between national cultures. At Connect2Us, we translate those differences into everyday life. Understanding and acceptance of those differences make one realize what we all have in common. The Foundation wants to unlock this knowledge for education and society at large. We strive for a diverse society in which freedom and tolerance are central and prejudices about origin are removed and to achieve greater cohesion in society.
Nonprofit
The foundation has an experienced board and operates according to the Code of Conduct of Charities Netherlands. In March 2017, the foundation was granted ANBI status. In 2018, Connect2Us was recognized by the CBF, which oversees recognized charities. The Foundation will eventually adopt the Board of Trustees model, with a volunteer board, a paid part-time manager and volunteer staff.
At School
“Children grow up in a pluralistic society and learn to understand and, above all, accept differences. We don’t have to adopt each other’s customs, but understanding each other creates togetherness and a better world. The children gain knowledge and insight about certain values and norms of themselves and others and know how to act accordingly. So they see better what binds them together. From amazement to connection.”
Empathy Land is an exciting and educational board game that, among other things, contributes to citizenship skills in primary education. It is a tool that can be used regularly and at any time for citizenship lessons and for Orientation to Yourself and the World – Man and Society – core objective 37 in particular. It teaches students to orient themselves to the world near, far, then and now. The game is suitable for students in grades 5 through 8. But above all, the game makes it possible to talk openly and playfully with each other about that which both makes us unique and unites us. It teaches students how we have so much to offer each other from cultural diversity.
Children have lively discussions about their home situations. Teachers hear spontaneous conversations they could not have imagined without the game. We received this feedback from a school in Drachten after playing Empathy Land:
“In a group with many non-native speakers, the students really enjoyed discussing the similarities with each other. There was a lot of surprise about some of the differences; the students kept asking questions of each other.”
The games are ready to play and can be easily facilitated by the teacher. Instructions for teachers can be found via a QR code on the box.
Workshops for teachers are available to improve teachers’ intercultural knowledge and skills. The game is bilingual, Dutch and English.
The starting point is that schools will pay a co-payment for Empathy Land. With 5 games needed for a class, schools will be able to budget their own contribution for Empathy Land at 115. We hope to finance the run-up with pre-orders, grant and donations.
Language training and language cafes.
The game is ideally suited for language training for newcomers. While playing the game, participants learn more Dutch words and at the same time gain insights into Dutch culture. They can also tell their own customs and habits to the other participants. In the end, all players end up in Empathy Land!
Workshops for teachers are available to improve teachers’ intercultural knowledge and skills.The game is bilingual, Dutch and English.
Donate!
We are very proud of Empathy Land! If you also think this is a great initiative, please help us reach as many people as possible.
- By making a donation. At €40 you will receive a copy of Empathy Land as a thank you so you can play the game with your (grand)children, friends, neighbors and colleagues. Adults also enjoy playing the game. A second game will be donated to a school.
- By, possibly together with your association or (service) club, donating one or more school packages (150,- Euros) to one or more schools. Those around the corner, in the community, of your children or grandchildren or the school of yesteryear. 5 games are needed for a class of up to 30 children to make the trip to Empathy Land together.
- Schools can request their package through this link.
