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The Global Empathy Project: A Movement Built on Compassion for All Life

The Global Empathy Project is more than an organisation—it's a movement. A call to action for each of us to become architects of a more compassionate, empathetic world. We are united in our mission to foster empathy for all living beings—human, animal, and the environment—and to inspire a future where kindness and respect are woven into every action.

Our projects are the heart of this movement, demonstrating the power of empathy-in-action. They show how compassion can transform lives, deepen connections, and create a more harmonious world for both humans and animals. We believe that by nurturing empathy, we can shift the way humanity interacts with the world and co-create a future that values sustainability, respect, and love for all species.

Our Mission: Sparking Empathy, Kindness, and Respect for All Life

At the Global Empathy Project, our mission is to uplift humanity by fostering emotional intelligence, respect for life, and reverence for the environment. Through empathy-driven projects, we seek to transform the way we interact with each other, with animals, and with the planet. We aim to ignite a global movement that bridges divides, fosters inclusivity, and inspires solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

By igniting empathy in hearts and minds, we empower individuals to make choices that reflect kindness and compassion. We are dedicated to creating a world where empathy transcends all barriers, allowing humans, animals, and nature to coexist in harmony.

Why Empathy? The Heart of Connection

n. the ability to imagine and understand the thoughts, perspective, and emotions of another

Empathy is more than just understanding; it’s about truly connecting with the experiences, feelings, and needs of others. It’s the foundation of kindness, the antidote to division, and the catalyst for meaningful, compassionate relationships.

Empathy has the power to dissolve barriers, erase stereotypes, and foster deeper connections between all beings. It’s a critical intervention in the development of humanity—one that can heal wounds caused by trauma, violence, poverty, and lack of education. Without empathy, our world risks becoming one driven by selfishness, materialism, and speciesism.

Empathy nurtures emotional intelligence and allows us to develop healthy, supportive relationships with ourselves, others, and the world. It’s the moral compass that can guide us toward greater understanding, unity, and collective flourishing. In a world often divided, empathy is not just important; it’s essential.

What remains is an absence of conscious connection. An inability to understand another through the wholesome containment of who we really are. From this reality, it is unsurprising that we face a world of individuals willing to corrupt those around them, prioritise profit and materialism, one-upmanship, speciesism and ego-centrism – no matter the cost.

Empathy facilitates the way we interact with the world, the way barriers dissolve, stereotypes fade, and the bonds of common humanity strengthen. It is the antidote to indifference, the catalyst
for kindness, and the cornerstone of meaningful relationships. In a world fraught with division and discord, instilling empathy as a
core value becomes not merely a choice, but a moral and ethical imperative—a beacon of hope illuminating the path towards greater understanding, unity, and collective flourishing.

Conscious Connection

Engendering empathy is therefore a critical intervention in the development of humanity. A critical intervention in the evolution of our species, and the only way we can truly hope for a kinder, more compassionate
and connection-centric world.

Our Vision: A World Bound by Compassion

We envision a world where empathy transcends all boundaries—where humans, animals, and the environment coexist in harmony, each treated with dignity and respect. At the Global Empathy Project, we are working to create a global community united by compassion and shared responsibility for all living beings.

Our vision is a future where compassion is the guiding principle of every decision, and where every life is valued. Through our efforts, we aim to foster solidarity across cultures, borders, and species, ensuring that empathy and sustainability guide the choices we make today for the well-being of future generations.

At The Global Empathy Project

we recognize the urgent need to co-create understanding, connection and solidarity across borders, cultures, species and communities in a way that is sustainable into the future.

Domestic Animals, Sentience education, Responsibility and Empathy

The Cactus Animal Shelter & Childrens Education Centre was born following the brutal torture and near killing of a young puppy called Phoebe at the hands of three children, on the instructions of their father. He believed the puppy had placed a curse on the new-born in the family, and so he instructed his three children, aged 6, 8 and 12, to torture the puppy for days. The horrors little Phoebe went through are hard to explain – subsequent X-rays revealed fractures all over her body - from her head to her tail. She was hung in a tree by her jaw, tethered, stoned and beaten. In their final act, the children doused Phoebe in methylated sprits and set her on fire.

A local lady, alerted by Phoebe’s screams, intervened, and rushed Phoebe to the local vet. She was treated and stabilized before being flown to South Africa for further critical surgeries. Phoebe’s story spread far and wide. She squealed with delight at all her visitors, even though she was unable to move due to her injuries. As the horror of her abuse dissipated with her recovery, it was replaced by a horror of what it took to have 3 young children perpetrate such horrific violence on a sentient being.

This was the birth of the Cactus Animal Shelter & Childrens Education Centre in Zambia – a rescue and rehoming sanctuary for companion animals, and a place for children to interact with, and learn about the sentience of animals and their value in our lives.
Poetry, Story books, Love, Compassion and Respect for all life

Through our incredible Story Weaver - the award-winning Patricia Schonstein – a publishing imprint named after our very own Phoebe, was born. The books take children on a transformative journey aimed at fostering empathy, compassion, and respect for all forms of life. Engaging stories, interactive activities, and meaningful discussions lead young readers to explore diverse perspectives, understand the feelings and experiences of others, and appreciate the interconnectedness of all living beings. From tales of friendship and kindness to narratives highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship and animal welfare, each book selected for the program serves as a catalyst for reflection and understanding. Through this holistic approach to literacy education, children not only develop essential reading skills but also cultivate a deep sense of empathy and compassion, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Animal Sanctuary, Service Dog Training, Education Centre, Arts and Crafts Centre,

Kids Activities, Cat Café, Conferencing facilities, Amphitheatre, Sports facilities, Micro-Agriculture and Sustainability

The Lusaka Campus Project multi-faceted campus designed to accommodate a variety of inter-connected animal-human-environment activities. The project honours the natural African bush landscape and is being designed with a strong focus on sustainability. The activities in one area of our operation are to serve as fuel for the next. With an animal sanctuary, service dog training facility, cat café, education centre, arts and crafts centre, amphitheatre and sporting facilities, the project design is about the creation of beautiful spaces, integrated with the natural environment, that welcome the people and communities we serve; a space where people can engage with each other, learn, relax and be inspired through their connection with one another, animals and with the earth.

The campus is a multi-faceted, multi-facility project – its buildings are being designed to be synchronized with the surrounding nature, land and climate. Buildings are being designed in a modular format, allowing flexible placement to minimize impact on the environment and existing trees, thus preserving the natural landscape and vegetation.
Training, Community Sensitisation, Safe Housing for Victims, Victim Skills Development and Rehabilitation

The state of human trafficking in Africa remains a significant concern, with the continent being both a source and destination for trafficking victims. Factors such as poverty, conflict, lack of education, and weak law enforcement contribute to the vulnerability of individuals to exploitation. Women and children are particularly at risk, often subjected to forced labour, sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude. While efforts to combat human trafficking in Africa have increased in recent years, including the implementation of legal frameworks and awareness campaigns, challenges persist due to the complexity of the issue and limited resources. Cross-border trafficking networks further complicate efforts to address the problem effectively. Collaborative efforts involving governments, civil society organizations, and international partners are crucial to combating human trafficking and ensuring the protection and support of victims across the continent.
Interception of the Dog Meat Trade, Law reform and advocacy, Network development and collaboration with law enforcement, Watching briefs on prosecutions, Rescue and rehoming of dogs

The dog meat trade in Africa varies significantly across different regions and countries. In some parts of Africa, particularly in certain rural areas, the consumption of dog meat has cultural and traditional roots, often associated with certain ceremonies or beliefs. However, the practice is increasingly being criticized due to significant concerns about animal welfare, public health risks, and the spread of diseases such as rabies. In many urban areas, attitudes towards consuming dog meat are changing, with growing awareness about the ethical and health implications of the trade. Animal welfare organizations and activists are working to raise awareness about the cruelty involved in the dog meat trade and advocating for stricter laws and enforcement to prevent its continuation. Our rescue centre on the border aims to treat all animals rescued from this barbaric trade both medically and emotionally, to educate the public and to rehome animals into loving environments
Translocation of a large, viable breeding population of white rhino to a cutting edge, secure, undisclosed location in South Africa. Re-wilding of rhino into controlled National Parks

The WildRhino Revival project embodies a groundbreaking initiative aimed at conserving and rewilding rhino populations in their natural habitats. Through a multifaceted approach blending conservation science, community engagement, and advanced technology, the project seeks to reverse the decline of rhino populations and restore balance to ecosystems. By establishing protected areas, implementing anti-poaching measures, and facilitating the reintroduction of rhinos into suitable habitats, WildRhino Revival aims to bolster rhino populations and ensure their long-term survival. Moreover, the project prioritizes education and collaboration with local communities to foster stewardship of natural resources and promote beneficial coexistence between humans and wildlife. Through these efforts, WildRhino Revival not only safeguards the future of rhinos but also contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and the overall health of ecosystems.
GlobeLeader is a groundbreaking leadership learning project that seeks to transform the way leaders around the world approach business and life.

The mission is to collect stories, history, and experiences from global leaders and innovators, turning them into critical leadership lessons that foster cultural intelligence and global empathy. The GlobeLeader initiative has teamed up with the Global Empathy Project, to use the power of stories to create a world where empathy transcends all barriers. The project's vision is to foster a harmonious existence between humans, nature, and all living beings, with compassion as the guiding principle of every action.

The first segment, "The Playbook of Resilience, Passion, and a Commitment to Progress," will take place in Southern Africa, where we aim to uncover the stories of resilience and passion that drive transformation. With some of the biggest voices on our continent lending their voices to this cause, we facilitate a collective, world-wide movement to lead differently. Using the power of stories to develop leadership competencies that can be integrated into strategic visions and plans the content will cover experiences and tools to inspire leaders from around the world. The ultimate goal: uplift humanity, engender a respect and honour for the environment, and nurture a love for all species.
The Trauma Relief Fund is dedicated to providing essential financial support to trauma victims in Africa, ensuring they receive the medical, psychological, and social care they need to heal.

Whether individuals have endured gender based violence, psychological, physical or emotional abuse, armed conflict, displacement, or other traumatic events, our fund serves as a lifeline—covering costs for therapy, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and community reintegration programs.

In many parts of Africa, access to trauma recovery services is limited or financially out of reach. Without proper support, survivors are left to navigate the lasting effects of trauma alone, often leading to chronic emotional distress, physical illness, social isolation, and an inability to rebuild their lives. The Trauma Relief Fund bridges this gap, offering hope and healing to those who need it most.

This work is imperative—not just for individual survivors but for entire communities. By supporting trauma recovery, we help people reclaim their futures, strengthen families, and contribute to a more resilient, empowered society. Healing one person at a time creates a ripple effect of change and possibility for a better future.

Uplift Humanity

To promote emotional intelligence, encourage the sharing of diverse human experiences, and support programs that advocate for human rights and social justice.

Love All Species

To extend empathy towards all forms of life, advocate for animal welfare, and foster a culture of respect and compassion for the myriad of species that share our planet.

Respect The Environment

To champion environmental education, support the protection and restoration of natural habitats, and collaborate with initiatives that address climate change and ecological balance.

Through empathy, barriers dissolve, stereotypes fade, and the bonds of common humanity strengthen. It is the antidote to indifference, the catalyst for kindness, and the cornerstone of meaningful relationships. In a world fraught with division and discord, instilling empathy as a core value becomes not merely a choice, but a moral and ethical imperative—a beacon of hope illuminating the path towards greater understanding, unity, and collective flourishing.