In March 2025, youth workers from across Europe and neighboring regions came together in Tbilisi, Georgia, for the Erasmus+ training course titled “Youth Work Approaches to Preventing Radicalization and Extremism.” This project brought together youth professionals, community leaders, and educators with a shared goal: to find new, practical strategies for protecting young people from extremist influences. With increasing social divisions and digital misinformation spreading fast, this project was both timely and important. Through dialogue, training, and exchange, the course helped participants explore the root causes of radicalization and discover effective ways to build resilience in young minds. One of the participants represented Civil Forum For Peace from Georgia, and the experience proved to be a turning point in their professional journey and local peacebuilding efforts.
Before the training, the situation in Georgia reflected many of the global trends. Although the country is known for its hospitality, cultural richness, and youth energy, it has also faced serious social and political challenges in recent years. Youth in Georgia often find themselves caught between traditional values and modern pressures. Some communities face high unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, and social exclusion. Political polarization and misinformation in media have created an atmosphere where it is sometimes difficult for young people to feel heard, respected, or secure in their identity. In some regions, youth from minority or conflict-affected backgrounds have less access to safe educational environments or support systems. This makes them more vulnerable to extremist narratives, online manipulation, and feelings of isolation.
When the training began in Tbilisi, it immediately created a space for honest reflection and collaboration. Participants came from different countries and backgrounds, but they all had a shared understanding of the risks young people face today. The sessions were carefully designed to explore radicalization not as a distant threat, but as a social process that often begins quietly, through emotional struggles, misinformation, or feelings of rejection. One of the most important learning moments was understanding the early signs of radicalization. This included recognizing when a young person is withdrawing, expressing sudden changes in beliefs, or showing extreme loyalty to one idea without space for discussion.
A major part of the training focused on media literacy and critical thinking. Participants learned how social media can create echo chambers that feed radical thoughts, and how to teach young people to question what they see online. Practical exercises showed how to build workshops that help youth spot fake news, understand emotional manipulation, and develop confidence in their own voice. The training also included role-playing activities, where youth workers practiced responding to difficult conversations involving hate speech, stereotypes, or group tension. These exercises helped build emotional intelligence and gave participants the tools to act with care, respect, and purpose.
Another key part of the experience was the chance to visit local community initiatives. Participants saw how Georgian NGOs and youth centers were already working with vulnerable communities using creative and inclusive methods. These visits gave fresh ideas and hope, showing that even with limited resources, youth workers can build trust, spark dialogue, and make a real difference.
Returning to their work with Civil Forum For Peace, the Georgian participant felt inspired to develop a new project based on what was learned. The initiative, named “Voices of Respect,” was created to support young people from diverse communities in talking about identity, fear, and belonging. The project offered a safe space for young people to meet regularly, share their thoughts, and learn how to manage conflict, emotions, and peer pressure. The sessions combined storytelling, group dialogue, and media analysis. Special attention was given to young people living in areas affected by previous regional conflicts, where the risk of division or misunderstanding was higher.
The project also included training sessions for teachers and local youth workers. These sessions helped them recognize the signs of radical thinking early and gave them confidence to respond with empathy and knowledge. The training materials from the Erasmus+ course were adapted into Georgian, and participants were encouraged to use them in classrooms and youth clubs. Civil Forum For Peace also developed a small guide for parents and caregivers, offering suggestions on how to talk with their children about online safety and respectful communication.
After a few months, the results of the “Voices of Respect” project became visible. Many young participants reported that they felt more confident expressing their views without fear of judgment. Some said they had changed the way they used social media, and others shared how the group helped them find new friends and a sense of community. In some schools, teachers noticed more respectful behavior and curiosity about global and local news. The project also created new partnerships between youth centers, NGOs, and community leaders, showing that a shared goal of peace can bring people together even across old divisions.
The initiative was later presented at a local youth policy forum in Tbilisi, where representatives from municipalities, education departments, and international organizations took part. The positive feedback encouraged Civil Forum For Peace to expand the project to other regions, and efforts were made to apply for continued Erasmus+ funding to support the growth of the program.
This experience showed that peacebuilding starts with listening and continues with action. Youth work is more than just organizing events—it is a powerful force that gives young people the space, tools, and trust they need to choose peace over hate, inclusion over division. The Erasmus+ training gave one Georgian youth worker the courage to start something small, which turned into something much bigger.
Looking forward, the work must continue. Georgia’s youth deserve to grow up in communities that welcome every voice and offer every person a chance to belong. By investing in prevention, education, and human connection, the cycle of radicalization can be broken before it begins. The story of “Voices of Respect” proves that even in complex environments, change is possible. Through patient, creative, and respectful youth work, peace becomes not just a dream, but a shared reality.