Compassionate Systems
in Hong Kong
Overview of Compassionate Systems
Background & Context:
The challenges that we currently face are parts of interconnected, interdependent, global systems. As we seek solutions to these worldwide issues, we must also find ways to help young people cultivate deep thinking & well-being.
Core Idea:
With this in mind, MIT thought leaders Peter Senge (renowned organisational learning leader) & Mette Boell (specialist in evolution of social systems) drew upon established social & emotional learning (SEL) & the field of system thinking to establish the “Compassionate Systems” educational framework. The goal is to develop models of thinking & teaching that prepare learners to better understand & respond to systemic issues, thereby building a cognitive & affective foundation for global citizenship.
Global Trend:
Compassionate Systems has been gaining traction globally. For example:
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International Baccalaureate (IB) schools (e.g. in Singapore & Switzerland) are incorporating it into their curriculum to develop students’ global citizenship.
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The British Columbia Ministry of Education positions it as a key strategy in their “Mental Health in Schools” report to cultivate system-wide well-being for both adults & students.
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The California Department of Education’s Expanded Learning Division has embarked on a multi-year learning journey to improve organisation culture & strategy.
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Many primary & secondary schools globally (e.g. in Indonesia) position it as a fundamental pedagogy, i.e. a teaching approach used across all subject areas to boost well-being & academic results.
{To learn more, you can read the "Intro to Compassionate Systems Framework in Schools" report (includes Chinese translation by CEL) or visit Center for Systems Awareness' website.
Bringing Compassionate Systems to Hong Kong
Local Development:
With the support of CATALYST Education Lab (CEL), 900+ Hong Kong principals & educators have been exposed to Compassionate Systems. Most school leaders strongly feel that it can effectively address their schools’ key concerns & help strengthen the school culture. Many educators have also embarked on their learning & practice journey on individual, classroom & school levels.
Video: Compassionate Systems HK Intro Training 2024 Highlights
Video: "Compassionate Systems HK Stories of Learning & Practice (Jan 16, 2024)" Event Recording [In Cantonese]
Compassionate Systems HK Learning Community:
The Learning Community is established by CEL to serve as a platform for educators to learn & build their Compassionate Systems practice. Any interested HK educators are welcome to join.
In past convenings, we covered topics such as the Check-In Practice, Systems Thinking Iceberg, Wheel of Emotions, Four Player Model etc. {Click HERE to access past materials.}
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For the academic year 2024-25, CEL organised these 2-hr sessions:
1. Oct 31, 2024 (Thu) 4:30-6:30pm - Connection before Content: Check-In & Wheel of Emotions
Video: "Connection before Content" Event Recording [In Cantonese]
2. Nov 19, 2024 (Tue) 4:45-7pm - "The Failures of Well-being & the Power of Generative Social Fields" by Dr. Mette Boell
Video: "Failures of Well-being & Power of Generative Social Fields w Mette Boell" Event Recording
3. Dec 3, 2024 (Tue) 4:45-6:45pm - Uncover Assumptions & Discover Leverage Points: Ladder of Inference & Systems Thinking Iceberg
Video: "Uncover Assumptions & Discover Leverage Points" Event Recording [in Cantonese]
4. Jan 17, 2025 (Fri) & Jan 21, 2025 (Tue) 4:45-6:45pm - “Compassionate Systems HK: Stories of Learning & Practice X Info Session for 2025 Intro Training”
Video: Part 1. What is Compassionate Systems?
Video: Part 2A HK Stories of Learning & Practice (1st Panel) [in Cantonese]
Video: Part 2B HK Stories of Learning & Practice (2nd Panel) [in Cantonese]
Video: Part 3 Application Info re 2025 Introductory Training [in Cantonese]
4. Feb 24 (Mon) 4:45-6:45pm - “Compassionate Systems in Action at Dulwich College (Singapore) by Jacob Martin
Video: Compassionate Systems in Action at Dulwich College (Singapore) by Jacob Martin [in English; With Chinese subtitles]
​Please join this "Compassionate Systems HK" WhatsApp Community to obtain the latest updates.
Should you have any enquiries,
please contact us via email at cs@celhk.org.