I'm a filmmaker, creative but most importantly an educator.Teaching in North London for three years, starting at 22 years old, exposed me not only to my own privilege but to the role empathy must play in order for society to positively develop. My students relied on me to not just teach them but understand them. I taught the infamous "U-gang" (self-titled I may add) that chanted "U-gang... U-gang!" climbing the science staircase to my classroom. They were a group of 24 boys who all received 'U' grades in mocks and over time changed my perspective and started my obsession with empathy.They had a lot of anger within them, a chip on their shoulder and lacked motivation. Their thought processes revolved around a fear of failure, being judged and a lack of aspiration. In their own eyes, they were already destined to be a failure before they'd put pen to paper, they were quite simply - scared young men. None of the "U-gang" ended up with a U grade, even despite one of my students missing his Chemistry exam because he was in a police cell.They all passed. Not because I was the best science teacher but simply because I actively empathised with them.I deferred from the 'usual teaching' methods. Sometimes playing basketball outside for a whole lesson. It would spark their enthusiasm, allow me to ask science questions throughout yet also build trust and a relationship at the same time.I used perspective-taking to better my lesson plans not a text book - I applied empathy.It is this skill, empathy, that I believe is the most important to our development as human beings. Yet it is the one which is often overlooked at school (and in the workplace).My experiences as a teacher and subsequent trips to Uganda, Mexico, India and Nepal to live with locals and gain new perspectives over the past few years led me to start 'Empathy Week'. A free festival of resources, events and films that develops the skill of empathy. We're actively researching our work with Cambridge University, have been cited in the World Economic Forum and are helping schools and workplaces develop this crucial skill.The first Empathy Week launched in 2020 and has since engaged 175,000+ students across 6 continents from 40+ countries. In 2024 we are celebrating the theme of 'Home' and in the middle of the year will launch 'Empathy Studios' - an education and creative studio that will bring more film, skills training and empathy to schools and businesses alike. We are building the #EmpathyGeneration.We are developing the most crucial human skill. Join us - empathy-week.com