How to foster empathy in order to promote diversity and social justice?

Teachers in all disciplines play an important role in the struggle for social justice, English language teachers being no exception. English language classrooms can serve as a learning space for transformation to engage young people in conversations related to peace, conflict, environmental issues, and human rights. English has been and is being used as a medium for peace and reconciliation in some parts of the world. English has potential to open opportunities for positive social change. In this Lesson we will firstly explore a number of ELT projects which all have two common characteristics: founders with high levels of empathy  and a desire to improve social justice. Secondly, we will explore a number of factors which may hinder  the embedding of a culture of empathy and the promotion of social justice and  in language education.