The Global Empathy Project is more than an organization—it's a movement.
A call to action for each of us to become architects of a more empathetic society.
The fabric of our organization is a collection of projects curated to demonstrate the power of empathy-in-action.
Our beneficiaries are human and non-human, the individual and the collective, all underpinned by principles of sustainability and care for the greater environment we find ourselves in.
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Our Mission
Our mission is to uplift humanity, engender a reverence for the environment, a love for all species and a deep respect for the intrinsic value of life!
We seek to transform the way humanity interacts with the world; to ignite a global movement that fosters empathy-in-action and empowers individuals to bridge divides, foster inclusivity, reconnect consciously, and cultivate empathy-driven solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
Why Empathy?
n. the ability to imagine and understand the thoughts, perspective, and emotions of another
Experiences, emotions, and circumstances shape who we are. Through our childhoods, narratives build and inform the way we interact with ourselves and the world around us. The nurturing of empathy is essential in the development of emotional intelligence.
In situations where emotional intelligence is repressed due to trauma, dire socio-economic circumstances, poverty, violence, lack of education, addiction, abuse or dysfunctional family systems, children are not afforded the opportunity to grow healthy relationships with themselves, safe and supportive relationships with others and a connection to the greater environment and the living beings with whom we share the planet.
Conscious Connection
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.
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
To create a world where empathy transcends all barriers, enabling a harmonious existence between humans, nature, and all living beings.
We envision a future where compassion is the guiding principle of every action, and where every life is valued and treated with dignity.
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 Leopard’s Hill 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 synchronistic 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 environmentsTranslocation 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.
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.