Raising awareness of how radicalization happens for greater individual safety and country security Erasmus Project

Project Title

Raising awareness of how radicalization happens for greater individual safety and country security

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for adult education

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2017

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Home and justice affairs (human rights & rule of law)

Project Summary

HEADS UP began in the light of the growing concern about increasing numbers of young people being radicalised and groomed on the internet by extremist groups and individuals. While it was recognised that radicalism in itself was not necessarily negative, the issues of young people being driven to harmful and sometimes violent acts were becoming everyday news. Like marketing companies, organisation with sinister intent set about accessing suitable profiles, using the information to befriend and manipulate. Internet chat rooms were now supplementing and replacing mosques, community centres and coffee shops as venues for recruitment. YouTube statistics showed that 300 videos are uploaded per minute. Certain uploads are tagged “promotes terrorism” but still aired. Facebook had 1.3 billion active accounts, half of its users logging on every day. It was used by extremists as a gateway to websites, to share information and propaganda and to identify and message potential recruits. Twitter provided a vehicle to disseminate information in real-time, providing ‘breaking news’ which could be real or fake. With Increasingly addictive on-line gaming set in hostile environments, the rise of bullying and harassment online, homophobia, racism and misogyny was everywhere. It was becoming easier to persuade a potential recruit to engage in on-line extremist activities, if they do not have to leave home or risk any consequences.
Popular opinion viewed those at risk of radicalisation were vulnerable, poorly educated and disadvantaged young people, but research found that the demographics in relation to religion, age, sex, education and financial backgrounds varied greatly and it was becoming more common to hear news of young people from stable homes being affected by this issue. Voluntary organisations , colleges and youth groups encountered these issues frequently , but there seemed to be no place they could easily go to find resources to use in their everyday teaching to make young people aware just how this worked, how easy it was to respond to emotive messages and visuals and through lack of awareness. Extremist organisations being experts in ‘data mining’; skillfully developing a relationship; often ‘love bombing’ the individual with positive and encouraging messages and fostering a sense of belonging and community.

A suite of resources including comics, videos, games and lesson plans were produced. These were designed to equip trainers parents and youth workers to help young people be more aware of the issue and to encourage them to speak openly about it, ask questions, understand the culture of on-line radicalisation and grooming, the tools used by the perpetrators and listen to the stories and experiences or those affected. The materials offer guidance to those such as family members and friends who are concerned a young person might be at risk. All resources were carefully considered as to how they would be perceived in each partner country and the particular issues faced. The videos are an easy way into the subject and could be used as a gentle discussion starter, the comics are useful as a tool to leave in public places and so reach a wider audience. The suite of lesson plans was developed on several levels ranging from a short 20 min session with games and quizzes to a 2 hour session with in-depth information and background reading. The trainer was also provided with guidance notes on how best to select and use the resources. 11,248 people were engaged in the project across the eight countries. Our target audience was trainers both professional and voluntary, youth workers and parents. They, in turn, would engage with all the young people they encountered. Three trainers from each country were trained in Ireland on the whole suite of resources, these trainers then passed on their knowledge to 20 youth workers and parents in their own countries. There were several dissemination events and consultations with stakeholders throughout each country and a final conference was held in the UK attended by all partner countries and a wide audience of professionals.

The project has been extremely well received in all countries. Partners have been told on many occasions that the resources from this project are the first of this kind and most particularly that it was not ‘one size fits all’ as they have been able to adapt in a way that suits their needs. They have reported a good response from the young people themselves many of whom were able to discuss these issues and their experiences in an open environment for the first time. There was a high level of interest from the security services, local councils, educators and parents at the final conference in Brighton. Many of the attendees were shocked at the findings of the project and have since gone on to use the materials produced. HEADS UP has already proven to leave a legacy far beyond the life of the project.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 244578 Eur

Project Coordinator

Creative Exchange UK Limited & Country: UK

Project Partners

• FUTURE IN PERSPECTIVE LIMITED
• AKLUB CENTRUM VZDELAVANI A PORADENSTVI
• JAITEK TECNOLOGÍA Y FORMACIÓN SL
• INNOVENTUM OY
• Ustanova za obrazovanje odraslih Dante
• CENTRE FOR ADVANCEMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY LTD-CARDET
• STORYTELLME, UNIPESSOAL LDA