Sec Values - Compassion & Empathy 2: Erkan

Teacher notes

This is the 2nd lesson in the Year of Values series, compassion and empathy unit. In this lesson, students meet Erkan from Ankara, capital city of Türkiye. He dedicates his time and energy to caring for stray animals in his community. Although he lives alone and has few human connections, his daily acts of compassion towards animals show that empathy and kindness can cross species boundaries. For secondary students, this is an opportunity to think about how compassion can be directed beyond our immediate relationships - to animals, the environment, and strangers - and how such actions can also strengthen community bonds. Encourage links back to Muhammed’s story from Finland (last lesson), where compassion was shown within the home, and explore how Erkan’s work demonstrates a different but equally important form of empathy. Suggested introduction for each session in Year of Values: Each week, we explore a real human story from a different part of the world, helping us connect more deeply with the values that guide how we live and relate to others. In this unit, we’re focusing on compassion and empathy - not as abstract words, but as feelings and actions that shape our relationships and communities. Rather than defining them once and for all, we’ll explore how they show up in real people’s lives. Together, we’ll practise noticing what others are feeling, imagining how we might respond with care, and reflecting on what kind of difference small acts of understanding can make. Through conversation and curiosity, we’ll grow our capacity to listen, connect, and care. **National Curriculum Links** PSHE / RSHE KS3 R3. About the similarities, differences and diversity among people of different race, culture, ability, sex, gender identity, age, and sexual orientation — and, by extension, the value of caring for animals and the environment. R40. About the unacceptability of prejudice-based language and behaviour, offline and online (link to societal attitudes towards stray animals and empathy beyond human communities). H2. To understand what can affect wellbeing and resilience (including acts of compassion). L9. About different ways to contribute to the community and the value of volunteering. KS4 R39. The impact of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination on individuals and relationships - broadening to how societal neglect can affect non-human communities. R41. The need to promote inclusion and challenge discrimination, and how to do so safely, including online - linking to advocacy for those without a voice, including animals. H9. Strategies to build resilience and respond to setbacks (as modelled by Erkan in overcoming challenges to feed and protect animals). L7. How to make decisions about different kinds of volunteering and community activities, considering personal values and the impact of contributions. Citizenship (KS3/KS4) - The roles played by voluntary groups in society and the way citizens work together to improve communities (link to grassroots animal welfare work). - The importance of taking part in decision-making and community improvement projects. English (KS3/KS4) - Spoken language: participate in formal and informal discussions, presenting viewpoints on ethical and societal issues raised in the film. Science (Biology) (KS3) - Relationships between organisms and their environment (link to the needs and welfare of domesticated animals).