Aflac along with renowned educator Ron Clark and DonorsChoose embark on project to teach children social-emotional skills
Aflac along with renowned educator Ron Clark and DonorsChoose embark on project to teach children social-emotional skills |
| [11-August-2026] |
Company recently launched book, "Beyond Words," leads learning initiative designed to promote kindness and compassion through reading
COLUMBUS, Ga., Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As an extension of Aflac's long-term commitment to children and families facing cancer and blood disorders, the company today announced a new initiative to help U.S. educators teach students kindness and empathy through one of the most powerful tools available: reading. According to the International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL), kindness can be explicitly and implicitly developed through sharing and discussing stories presented in children's literature.1
The company is providing educators with complimentary copies of "Beyond Words," an original children's book created by Aflac and written by bestselling children's author Sheri Fink. Published in late 2025, "Beyond Words" tells the story of Buddy the bear, whose friend is returning to the classroom after a stay in the hospital. Buddy uses imaginary space travel to find the words and actions he can take to welcome his friend back to school. Through the book's pages, children learn that sometimes empathy is more about what you do than what you say — or, beyond words. This dual-pronged program includes a collaboration with DonorsChoose — an education nonprofit ensuring every U.S. public school student has the classroom resources they need to learn, grow and thrive — as well as renowned educator and bestselling author Ron Clark. Aflac is committing $25,000 to match donations for social-emotional learning projects that include books. "A resource like 'Beyond Words' is exactly what teachers need to help their students express compassion in a healthy and productive way. Through exciting illustrations and vibrant colors, the book not only says, but models empathy and kindness," said Ron Clark, cofounder, The Ron Clark Academy. "As an educator, I know that reading, combined with passion and a desire to learn, is among the most effective learning tools we have to support the development of social-emotional skills in our students." This initiative represents the latest chapter in Aflac's decades-long commitment to support families navigating childhood cancer and sickle cell disease. For more than 30 years, Aflac has contributed more than $200 million — a number that continues to grow — to help fund crucial research and advocacy through its partnership with the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. That commitment expanded in 2018 with My Special Aflac Duck®, a robotic companion that has brought comfort to more than 47,000 children with cancer and sickle cell disease across the U.S., Japan and Northern Ireland. With "Beyond Words," Aflac continues to recognize that promoting emotional support — expressed through acts of compassion — is a vital part of caring for these children. "We understand that healing requires more than medicine, and children facing health challenges like cancer or blood disorders are particularly vulnerable from an emotional standpoint, as well as their physical health," said Ines Gutzmer, senior vice president and chief communications officer at Aflac. "We're working with DonorsChoose and Ron Clark to share the empathetic message of 'Beyond Words' and provide educators with additional resources to help their students develop emotional intelligence that will serve them throughout their lives." Educators can request free copies of "Beyond Words" and the corresponding Conversation Companion that includes helpful guidance on how to use the book for good at Aflac.com/BeyondWords while supplies last. This site also directs donors to eligible DonorsChoose social-emotional learning projects where they can contribute to Aflac's $25,000 match. "Partners like Aflac help close critical fundraising gaps helping teachers to access the resources that their students need to learn," said Bianca Carbajal, Manager of Corporate and Foundation Giving at DonorsChoose. "We're grateful to Aflac for their meaningful contribution and look forward to seeing the impact that 'Beyond Words' will have on children and families." For more information about "Beyond Words," visit Aflac.com/BeyondWords. One hundred percent of net proceeds from the book's sales benefit the research and treatment of childhood cancer and blood disorders through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation. ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED ABOUT DONORSCHOOSE Frequently Asked Questions What is "Beyond Words"? What is the goal of Aflac's new initiative with DonorsChoose and Ron Clark? How does this initiative connect to Aflac's philanthropic mission? How does the DonorsChoose partnership work? How can educators receive free copies of "Beyond Words"? 1 IJSELL, Teach Kindness: Using Children's Literature to Foster Empathy and Understanding, 2.pdf accessed 7-23-26 2 LIMRA 2025 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report 3 As of March 31, 2025, Aflac estimates based on company data
Media contact: Stephanie A. Wilken, 706-905-5818 or swilken@aflac.com Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@aflac.com Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
SOURCE Aflac | ||
Company Codes: NYSE:AFL |
View original content to download multimedia:
