Empathy Land: A Journey Towards Understanding and Connection

In an age where communication is at an all-time high, genuine listening seems to be dwindling. With the constant distractions of technology and leaders often neglecting to engage in meaningful conversations, we find ourselves yearning for deeper cross-cultural connections. How many of us truly take the time to listen and understand one another? Empathy Land is a board game that aims to bridge this gap by creating opportunities for authentic intercultural dialogue.

Imagine a space where stories flow freely, allowing travellers to Empathy Land to explore topics they might otherwise shy away from. Through playful dialogue and shared experiences, Empathy Land fosters effective listening and meaningful encounters. It’s about nurturing the cultural capital within ourselves, promoting interconnectedness and understanding the diversity of and in our global community.

What is Empathy Land?

Empathy Land is not just a board game; it’s a comprehensive educational initiative developed by Connect2Us in collaboration with psychology students from Tilburg University. Successfully implemented in various schools and language training programs as well as used at work, the game focuses on cultivating citizenship skills, and particularly intercultural understanding. By encouraging awareness, understanding, and acceptance, children and adults learn to think critically, challenge unfounded opinions prevalent in social media, and engage in respectful discussions.

Within the secure environment of the game, players can freely share their thoughts and advocate for their beliefs, boosting their self-assurance and social-emotional development. Through immersive gameplay, players explore shared human experiences, ultimately contributing to a safer, more inclusive world.

Key Benefits of Empathy Land:

• Enhanced Cultural Awareness: Explore diverse cultures and traditions.
• Improved Communication Skills: Learn to listen actively and express thoughts effectively.
• Stronger Interpersonal Relationships: Build meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds.
• Enhanced Critical Thinking: Develop the ability to analyse information and form informed opinions.

Building a Foundation of Expertise

Since its establishment in 2016, Connect2Us has grown into a hub of intercultural communication experts, psychologists, and educators. This diverse team of over 25 volunteers brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the mission. With ties to renowned Dutch scientist Geert Hofstede, whose ground-breaking research on national cultures has garnered global acclaim, Connect2Us translates these insights into relatable, everyday applications.

The foundation operates as a non-profit under the Netherlands CBF (Dutch Fundraising Regulator) and has been recognised for its commitment to ethical practices and community engagement.

Empathy Land in Action: At School

Children today navigate a pluralistic society, learning not just to accept differences, but to celebrate them. Empathy Land equips students with knowledge of their own values and norms while fostering a deeper understanding of others’. By shifting from a mind-set of amazement to one of connection, the game nurtures empathy and collaboration.

For students aged 9 to 14 years, Empathy Land is an educational tool that enhances citizenship lessons. It encourages students to explore their world—past, present, and future—while engaging in light-hearted conversations that highlight both uniqueness and unity. Teachers have observed that students, especially in diverse classrooms, thrive in these discussions, often revealing surprising commonalities and asking insightful questions.

Facilitated easily by teachers, the game comes with accessible instructions via a QR code on the box. Workshops are offered to further enhance educators’ intercultural competencies, and the bilingual format (Dutch and English) ensures inclusivity for all participants. As a school in Drachten reported:  “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.”

By embracing cultural differences while recognising our shared humanity, Connect2Us empowers educators and students alike.

For further information on Empathy Land contact Connect2Us https://connect2us.eu/en/

ACCESS encourages such initiatives, which contribute to improving our understanding of one another and lead to ensuring greater connections between the diverse communities in the Netherlands.

About the author

Jan Vincent Meetens is an experienced trainer, personal coach and author in the field of intercultural communication. He has played a significant role in promoting effective intercultural teams, successful negotiations across diverse cultures and fostering dialogues on diversity and inclusion in society. He is also the founder and chairman of the Connect2Us Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusivity in both society and organisations.

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