The goal of education should go beyond lessons on the fundamentals of reading, writing and math. While these skills are undeniably vital, schools play a key role in shaping students into empathetic members of society who seek to make a positive difference in the lives of others, whatever path they choose. Within a school community, students learn essential social skills, collaborate and become aware of their role in the world.
Dr. Jamil Zaki, in his best-selling book The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World, suggests that empathy and kindness are skills that need to be nurtured, much like exercising a muscle. Strengthening our empathy has a profound impact on our communities. I realized this when I took on my role as director of our Primary School, which prompted me to think about how to foster a school culture centered on these values.
Ultimately, the purpose of education is to prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Adopting the “Golden Rule” in all our actions and decisions could help pave the way for a society in which empathy and kindness prevail. This means treating others with respect, listening actively and learning from different points of view. It means recognizing our interconnectedness and understanding that our actions have a profound impact on others.
At the Lycée Français de New York, we hold an annual Day of Understanding, a symbol of our commitment to cultivating empathy in education and in our community. This event, which takes several months to prepare with all students in our preschool and elementary school, celebrates the affirmation of these values.
On the Day of Understanding, students, parents and teachers come together in a spirit of openness. Through activities, discussions and shared experiences, we emphasize the importance of empathy, kindness and compassion. By engaging in constructive conversations, students learn to respectfully express their point of view and appreciate the wealth of perspectives that exist within their school community. This not only fosters greater mutual understanding, but also a culture of openness and care, essential to learning and development.
As expressed in the Lycée’s mission, we prepare students to know themselves, embrace our individual differences, diverse perspectives, aspirations and experiences, while maintaining a strong sense of connection and respect for one another.
On this day in Primary School especially, we take pride in the clear message we send: that education goes beyond results; it embraces the development of respectful and compassionate individuals. Through these initiatives, we sow the seeds of kindness and understanding, ensuring that these values flourish in the hearts and minds of our students, transforming them into thoughtful, engaged and courageous global citizens — Citizens of Culture and Courage, at Home in the World.
About the Author :
Vannina Boussouf grew up on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, where bilingualism is an integral part of identity. She studied English and Spanish at the University of Corsica, and philology and letters in Cordoba, Spain, before starting a career as an elementary teacher and administrator. Vannina relocated to the United States in 2004, where she taught at the International School in Louisiana. She joined the Lycée in 2007 to direct the Primary School, and during her tenure, she has focused on innovative teaching methods that support the development of the whole child in a bilingual setting.