Rodrigo Ruschel, Eduardo dos Santos, Valentin Conde

Static map of Campinas, Brazil

Location: Campinas, Brazil

Program: CBCT

Compassion Training for Educators and Activists in Brazil

Teachers

Rodrigo Ruschel, Eduardo dos Santos, and Valentin Conde are experienced educators and leaders in the field of socio-emotional training. They work with GAIA+, a Brazilian non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to fostering emotional resilience and compassionate leadership among educators and activists.

Course

Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT) – an eight-week online program designed to help participants cultivate emotional resilience, mindfulness, and self-compassion.

Location

Participants from across Brazil

Community Impacted

This program was delivered to 45 participants, including educators, NGO leaders, and activists. The group represented individuals working in public schools, social justice initiatives, and community-based organizations throughout Brazil.

A significant portion of the participants were elementary school teachers from public schools, predominantly Black and mixed-race women, who face high emotional and professional demands while working with underserved and marginalized communities.

Why compassion is relevant

Educators and activists carry a heavy emotional burden. They are deeply committed to serving others, yet often lack support systems and self-care strategies to maintain their own well-being.A 2023 survey of over 800 NGO workers in Brazil revealed that: 55% rated their mental health as poor or average and 44% reported a lack of motivation at work.

Compassion training provides essential tools for managing stress, preventing burnout, and fostering greater emotional intelligence and resilience. By helping educators and leaders strengthen self-awareness and mindfulness, CBCT not only improves their well-being but also enhances their ability to support and inspire their communities.

Motivation to serve this community

The facilitators have long recognized the emotional challenges faced by educators and NGO professionals. Their backgrounds in education, personal development, and NGO leadership allow them to bring compassion-based practices to professionals working in demanding and high-impact environments, impacting over 2,000 educators across Brazil.

CBCT was introduced as a way to provide these professionals with deeper emotional resilience strategies, allowing them to handle the challenges of their roles with greater ease, confidence, and compassion. The ultimate goal was to create a ripple effect—helping educators and activists sustain their work while fostering a culture of emotional well-being and care.

How were they impacted

  • Increased self-awareness – Participants gained a clearer understanding of their emotional responses and stress triggers, leading to healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Strengthened self-compassion – Many realized they had been neglecting their own well-being and learned to practice self-care without guilt.
  • Greater emotional resilience – The training provided tools for emotional regulation, reducing self-criticism and burnout.
  • Improved relationships – Educators and activists became more mindful in their interactions, fostering deeper connections with students, colleagues, and communities.
  • Expanded perspective – Participants developed a broader understanding of interdependence and the impact of compassion in social change.

Testimonials 

  • “For me, learning about awareness and how to handle challenges in a more compassionate way was life-changing. These tools are fundamental—not just for my own emotions, but also for how I see the world and others.” – Anonymous participant
  • “Module 7 on ‘Deepening Gratitude and Tenderness’ was particularly impactful. Expanding my perspective on others was a liberating experience. This training made me reflect deeply on my own beliefs and biases.” – Ludimilla de Paiva, School Coordinator
  • “Before this course, I never prioritized self-care. CBCT helped me recognize how essential it is to set boundaries, reduce self-criticism, and be kinder to myself.” – Karine Vieira Mazzone, NGO Coordinator
  • “This course changed the way I handle conflict. I now recognize my emotional patterns, and I am less reactive in difficult situations. I feel a greater sense of peace and control in my relationships.” – Amala Malaman, LGBTQIA+ Activist
  • “I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. Compassion training has transformed my perspective. Supporting causes like this is the best way to build a more just, equitable, and kind society.” – Hans Mendonça, NGO Coordinator

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