In March 2025, an Erasmus+ training course titled “Youth Work Approaches to Preventing Radicalization and Extremism” took place in Tbilisi, Georgia. This international gathering welcomed youth workers from various countries to explore strategies that support young people in resisting harmful ideologies. In a world where misinformation, division, and extremist narratives are rising, the training aimed to empower youth workers with knowledge, tools, and new ways of thinking. The course gave participants the chance to learn through discussion, practical exercises, and cultural exchange. For a youth worker from Egypt, representing the NGO Anubis Egypt, the training marked the beginning of a renewed commitment to youth empowerment and human rights protection in their local communities.
In Egypt, the social context has always been rich and complex. While many young people are full of ideas and dreams, others struggle with poverty, lack of opportunity, and limited access to quality education. In some areas, young people feel disconnected from society and do not have enough safe spaces where they can express their thoughts and feelings. This makes them more vulnerable to radical messages, especially those spreading through the internet and social media. Extremist groups often target young people who feel excluded or uncertain about their future. These groups offer simple answers to complicated problems, making them appealing to those who feel unheard. Before joining the training in Tbilisi, many youth workers in Egypt, especially those working with Anubis Egypt, were searching for new methods to prevent radicalization and help young people feel stronger and more included.
The experience in Tbilisi was eye-opening in many ways. One of the most powerful parts of the training was learning how radicalization does not happen in one step. It starts with feelings of being left out, misunderstood, or angry. Youth workers explored how identity crises, misinformation, and lack of support can push young people closer to extremist ideas. The training showed that understanding these root causes is the first step toward prevention. One session focused on media literacy. It became clear how important it is to teach young people to ask questions and think critically when reading or watching content online. Misinformation spreads quickly, and many youth are not aware that they are being manipulated. Learning how to break down extremist narratives and promote digital literacy became a key goal for the youth worker from Anubis Egypt.
Role-playing exercises during the training gave participants the chance to practice what they had learned. They acted out situations where a youth might be expressing extreme views or feeling isolated, and learned how to respond calmly and helpfully. These simulations were realistic and showed that even small conversations can make a big difference. The training also included inspiring visits to Georgian youth centers. Participants saw how local organizations work with young people, families, and schools to create strong support systems. These visits showed that communities play a key role in preventing extremism when they work together with trust and respect.
After returning to Egypt, the youth worker from Anubis Egypt felt inspired to put this knowledge into action. Together with the NGO, they developed a program called “Safe Space Circles.” These were weekly meetings held in youth centers across Cairo and Alexandria, where small groups of young people came together to talk about their emotions, identity, and the challenges they face. The sessions were designed using tools and methods from the Tbilisi training. Each session started with a media literacy activity, helping youth learn how to detect false information online. Then the group would explore a theme like self-worth, social belonging, or intercultural understanding. These conversations gave participants a chance to feel seen and heard, and to build trust with each other.
The Safe Space Circles also welcomed parents, teachers, and local leaders for some sessions, helping build bridges between generations. Many adults said they didn’t realize how much pressure young people felt every day—online, in school, and in their communities. The inclusion of different voices helped make the sessions more meaningful and effective. Youth workers were trained to observe and support youth who might be showing early signs of distress or radical thoughts, offering guidance and connection before things became worse.
The project quickly showed signs of success. Many young participants expressed that it was the first time they had been part of a group where they could speak openly without fear. They learned to listen to others, ask questions, and support each other. Some of them even started their own mini-groups in schools or neighborhoods to continue these discussions. A few youth created social media campaigns to raise awareness about misinformation and emotional wellbeing. Teachers reported that students became more respectful in the classroom and more interested in current events and history, now that they had better tools to think critically.
The local impact grew as more youth centers in Egypt showed interest in the Safe Space Circles. Anubis Egypt created a short guidebook with steps for starting similar circles, using language that was youth-friendly and culturally relevant. The project was later shared with regional networks working in education and youth development. This led to collaborations with other NGOs, which opened new paths for funding and long-term sustainability. The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports invited Anubis Egypt to present the program at a national youth forum, where many attendees expressed interest in adapting it to their own regions.
Looking back at the journey from the streets of Cairo to the training halls of Tbilisi, one thing becomes clear: when youth workers are given the right support, they can help change the path of a generation. Preventing radicalization is not only about stopping bad influences. It is about building strong relationships, creating safe spaces, and teaching youth how to think with both their minds and their hearts. It is about making sure every young person feels that they belong, that they matter, and that they can shape their own future.
As the work continues, the team at Anubis Egypt believes even more strongly in the potential of youth. They are not problems to be solved, but powerful partners in building peace. The training in Tbilisi was not the end of something—it was the beginning of a movement. A movement where youth workers stand beside young people, listen to their voices, and walk with them on the path to dignity, freedom, and hope. Through continued learning, international cooperation, and deep human connection, the vision of inclusive and empowered communities in Egypt and beyond can become a reality.