Youth work against violent radicalisation- The role of democratic competences – PART 2

The second part will be focused more on the practical tools in everyday youth work in the prevention of raising extremism which might result in violent radicalization on both sides – those who spread the hate and intolerance as well as between those who are targeted by hatred and discrimination. This training aims to build professional competences of youth workers in the field of non-formal education for democratic culture and prevention of extremism. Youth workers belong to the “first line” professions who have the opportunity not only to notice the signs of radicalization but also to build resilience of young people towards it. Although the role of youth work in preventing the radicalization of young people is discussed for a while, youth workers still lack the tools and strategies on how to deal with different aspects of extremism and violent radicalization of youth in their everyday practice. Many times, the expectations are much higher than the reality allows us. What are the cases youth workers should be able to step in? How to avoid frustration of young people and how to foster mutual understanding? Are the radical thoughts natural for youngsters? How can youth workers support their ideas to change society in a democratic way? Those are just few questions we will discuss together. The training will enable participants to: • Implement available educational resources developed by the Council of Europe and the European Commission in the field of human rights education and prevention of violent radicalization. • Understand and consider the specific factors influencing young people to enter radical groups in their region. • Build the resilience of young people towards violent radicalization; • Foster democratic competences in individual youth and create a democratic culture in their communities.