Partner organizations groups based on a long discussion found a common need of raising public awareness about
growing issues of radicalism and terrorism, as outcomes of nationalism and extremism that more and more young people are following. We decided to write this project to raise awareness about the role of youth workers against violent radicalization. The aim of the project “Preventing Radicalization” is to equip youth workers with knowledge, competences and tools that allow them to prevent youth radicalization. During the project the youth workers will have the possibility to share, improve and gain new knowledge and skills about violent radicalization, youth inclusion, social cohesion, intercultural dialogue, integration, conflict management; current tendencies of religion extremism, possible solutions for existing challenges, examples of activities aimed at de-radicalisation; discussions and meetings with representatives of local authorities and stakeholders.
The Youth Worker mobility will bring together 35 participants from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Finland, Spain and Italy, to raise awareness about youth violent radicalization and by building the capacity of youth workers so that they are able to prevent and fight youth extremism back to their communities. The mobility action consists in learning through a training period abroad which will provide the Youth Workers with the means and knowledge necessary to prevent and combat youth radicalization. This kind of mobility is considered an effective tool to gain knowledge and share best practices. A variety of non-formal educational tools such as role play, workshops and exercises will be integral part of the project, carefully chosen by qualified trainers. All the materials and technical devices necessary for carrying out the activities will be provided by hosting organization.
The partners involved in this project are “EU Diaspora Council” from Sweden, “Norway Active Association” from Norway, “Soma FRF” form Finland, “Olympic A Manage Kulture” from Denmark, “Stichting Amsterdam European Mobility” from Netherlands, “Cooperazione Sud Per l’Europa” from Italy and “Asociaciòn Cultural Integra” from Spain.
The five days project will be implemented in Sweden, from 14 to 20 January 2019 and the hosting partner will be “EU Diaspora Council".
The main objectives of the project “Preventing Radicalization” are:
-Exploring the concept of youth radicalisation, its forms and manifestations, and how youth workers can have a role in its prevention;
-Understanding the origins and the background of terrorism and radicalism and their influence on young people consciousness;
-Analysing how Social media play significant roles in radicalizing youth;
-Developing youth workers’ competences necessary to deal with the issue of radicalization and terrorism;
-Identifying and apply conflict management techniques;
-Using efficient communication methods to overcome communication barriers;
-Working off a common “Action Plan” on prevention of radicalization with a special focus to youth, affected by asylum seekers, crisis and conflicts;
-Increasing participants’ understanding regarding the role of youth work in preventing violent radicalisation and in supporting young people’s resilience and empowerment;
-Exchanging of good practices and tools from different countries;
-Start a collaboration that could be a base of a KA2 project where partners explore the needs, common points and think on the creation of a youth workers platform to support their works.
As a result of the project, we expect more people knowing and talking about radicalisation-prevention strategies as effective tools to support inclusion of the marginalized groups. For the potential long-term impact, we will create a space for youth workers to meet and inspire each other, to develop their ability to contact and understand other people of a different culture. A Flyer about radicalisation-prevention strategies developed by participants will be spread via various media channels to reach targeted organizations in Europe.
By exchanging their own experiences on this mobility, participants will get first-hand practice in intercultural learning. We believe that this project will be an effective way to achieve understanding for the cultural diversity in Europe. From sharing personal cultural backgrounds to inclusive living culture. The impact however will not be limited to the Intercultural learning process only but also it will provide knowledge about youth extremism and radicalisation-prevention strategies.
Finally, the mobility drives the European values, enhances intercultural awareness and strengthen the transfer of innovation and good practices.
