In March 2025, youth workers from across Europe came together in Tbilisi, Georgia, for an Erasmus+ training course titled “Youth Work Approaches to Preventing Radicalization and Extremism.” This international gathering focused on building stronger, more peaceful communities by training youth workers in methods of prevention, media literacy, and positive dialogue. Hosted in a time of growing polarization and misinformation, the course offered new tools to guide young people away from harmful paths and toward meaningful engagement. For a youth worker from Denmark, representing the Pangaea Youth Network, the training brought new knowledge, international friendships, and motivation to take action at home.
In Denmark, society enjoys a high level of social support and education, yet not all youth feel included or empowered. In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the rising influence of online hate speech, identity crises among young people, and feelings of exclusion, especially in immigrant and refugee communities. Although Denmark promotes freedom and equality, not every young person experiences this equally in daily life. Some youth are left feeling isolated or unheard, which makes them more vulnerable to harmful ideologies or online manipulation. Before the training, many youth workers in Denmark felt a lack of concrete tools to address radicalization and help youth build resilience in a digital world filled with misinformation and division.
The training in Tbilisi opened a new perspective. Through a mix of workshops, role-plays, and community visits, participants explored the root causes of extremism and how to counter them using peaceful and human-centered approaches. One of the most powerful lessons was about identifying early warning signs of radicalization—not just violent behavior, but also subtle emotional and social signs like withdrawal, increased online activity, or sudden changes in opinions. The focus on media literacy was especially eye-opening. It showed how online spaces can manipulate young minds and how youth workers can teach critical thinking to help young people question extremist narratives and build emotional strength.
The training also included role-playing sessions that allowed participants to simulate difficult conversations and conflict situations. These activities showed how important it is to listen, stay calm, and create a safe space for open discussion. In these moments, participants saw how youth work can become a powerful tool to build understanding between different cultures, beliefs, and communities. A visit to a local youth center in Georgia also left a strong impression. There, local staff worked directly with families and schools to support vulnerable youth and offer them positive alternatives through dialogue, sports, and creative activities. This model of cooperation between community members gave the Danish youth worker inspiration for how to bring similar practices home.
After returning to Denmark, the Pangaea Youth Network decided to launch a small pilot initiative called “Dialogue Lab.” This project was created with the goal of giving young people a space to talk about identity, media, and current challenges they face. Based on the training methods learned in Tbilisi, the workshops in the Dialogue Lab included discussions, storytelling, and group exercises that focused on understanding oneself and others better. The workshops were designed to be relaxed and youth-friendly, using real-life examples and games to make learning more personal and engaging.
The Dialogue Lab project was shared with local schools and youth centers. Some teachers and youth leaders joined to learn more about how to support students in developing emotional resilience and media skills. These sessions included analysis of how hate speech spreads online, how to check facts, and how to recognize manipulation. In some groups, participants shared personal experiences of being targeted online or struggling with identity. The sessions helped them feel less alone and more able to express their feelings in a respectful way.
The results of the project became clear after several weeks. Young participants showed a stronger understanding of how online spaces can influence them and how to protect themselves. Some students started small peer campaigns to promote kindness and awareness on social media. One youth center reported that participants began helping each other more and showed better communication skills. Teachers mentioned improvements in classroom conversations and a more respectful atmosphere. Even parents who attended some sessions gave positive feedback, saying the project helped them understand their children’s challenges in the digital world.
At the community level, the project helped start new partnerships. The Pangaea Youth Network was invited to share its results at a local event about youth safety, and some municipalities expressed interest in continuing the Dialogue Lab in other towns. The feedback from young people, educators, and decision-makers was very encouraging, and a plan was created to expand the initiative during the next school year.
Reflecting on the entire journey, from Tbilisi to Copenhagen, one message stands out: youth work is not just about teaching or guiding—it is about empowering young people to become leaders in their own lives and communities. The Erasmus+ training showed that real change begins when people come together to listen, understand, and act with compassion. The experience reminded everyone involved that even in countries with strong democratic values, there is always a need to support the emotional and social needs of young people.
Youth empowerment is more than a goal—it is a responsibility. With the right tools, support, and trust, young people can lead the way in creating peaceful, inclusive societies. The Dialogue Lab is just one example of how international cooperation, local action, and the power of youth work can create a long-lasting impact. The Pangaea Youth Network believes that the journey of change is just beginning, and that the voices of youth will continue to build bridges where walls once stood.