CIT - Mindful African Initiative

Compassionate integrity training

Compassionate Integrity Training (CIT) is a multi-part training program that cultivates basic human values as skills for the purpose of increasing individual, social and environmental flourishing. CIT focuses on and builds towards the ability to live one’s life in accordance with one’s values with a recognition of common humanity, our basic orientation to kindness, and reciprocity. “Compassionate Integrity” is achieved as a result of building up knowledge, understanding, and a set of concrete skills. Because compassionate integrity is what guards against actions that compromise the well-being of oneself and others, cultivating it in one’s life and in one’s community directly impacts individual and collective flourishing.

The Course

The CIT course comprises three series. The first series is Self-Cultivation. The second series is Relating to Others and the last series is Engaging in Systems. With each series, the skills build on from the last, starting with exploring the self, moving to focus on others, and finally engaging in wider networks and systems that we are part of and engage with.

Series 1: Self Cultivation

The first series in CIT covers the manner in which one relates to oneself. It includes an exploration of knowledge and skills related to the inner workings of an individual. The series is built on the value of an increased level of personal well-being (self-cultivation) being necessary in order to foster better relationships with others and contribute to the community.

Series 2: Relating to Others

The second series focuses on improving one’s relationship with others and ensuring that the relationship is one that promotes the wellbeing of oneself and others. Here, one learns how to self-regulate and restrain from harming others through the strengthening of pro-social attributes such as forgiveness, gratitude, impartiality, empathy, and compassion.

Series 3: Engaging in Systems

The third and last series of CIT involves recognizing the interdependent nature of the world we live in, including the interdependence of the systems we interact with daily. The focus here is on developing the skills and discernment to act effectively for constructive change within those systems.

What to expect

Modes of Learning

There are 2 modes in which one can take this course; online and offline. Online CIT training is conducted through the Zoom application, whereas offline CIT is periodically coordinated in specific locations usually suggested by host institutions.

Course Duration

The CIT course comprises 10 skills that are completed through online/offline facilitated sessions, reflective writing, mindful dialogue, and contemplative journaling. It takes one 2-hour session to facilitate 1 skill. Completing all 10 skills of the course will require 20 hours of facilitation. Out of the facilitated sessions, one will require more time for contemplative journaling. Note that there are no assignments and tests in CIT.

Course Certification

Upon course completion, participants will be awarded a Course Completion Certificate jointly by Mindful African Initiative and Life University and the Center for Compassion, Integrity & Secular Ethics.

Testimonials

"I have learned to trust my feelings, show empathy, give people the benefit of doubt, show gratitude and be mentally healthy by practicing mindfulness, calming my body and mind"

Nneamaka F. Mokwe-Ijiko

Nigeria

"Personal growth needs constant knowledge, open mindedness, overall compassion and integrity in all that you do, think and say. The connected nature of how we function and are all linked to each other was a great aspect to walk through again from a different angle than what I have learnt before."

Nunga Kamau

Malawi

"I have received so much more than I have expected from CIT. I have learned to see into myself and outer situations in a careful manner. I have learned to be more mindful, forgiving and grateful. The overall CIT materials, the way the training was conveyed and the facilitator's team was truly enjoyable. I have learnt how team work makes things beautiful and enjoyable. "

Mezmur Girma

Ethiopia

"The world is broken and divided. We need constant learning and relearning in order to learn, heal and grow. CIT provides a safe place to learn and discuss various topics that affect us as individuals and societies. These topics when understood well can change our world for the better. "

Paula Nkandu

Zambia