EuropeAid 2014/ European Union Programme for Central Asia. EuropeAid 2014/ European Union Programme for Central Asia

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1 THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN SUPPORTING SOCIAL INCLUSION AND RESILIENCE AGAINST RADICALISATION AMONG YOUTH IN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND IN CENTRAL ASIA Review Report Jan Helbich, Report Coordinator Gabrielle Goettelmann, Research Expert Andrea Miskovicova, Reporting Expert October 11, Intervention logic Quality education Social inclusion of learners Smooth transition into the labour market Professional and personal fulfilment Prevention of violent extremism 1

2 Basic Concepts Quality education - multi-dimensional concept comprising: equity - no obstacles to entering any education level; contextualization and relevance tailor made; sustainability institutionalization by enhancing the capacities of education authorities; content up-to-date curricula, materials and teaching methods; learning outcomes minimum standard of skills and knowledge; environment healthy, safe and protective learning environment; quality teachers well educated and trained Basic Concepts Social inclusion in education - represents actions of strengthening the capacity of the education system to reach out to all learners. Current meaning = everyone, not only learners with disabilities. To ensure accessible education for all in order to provide them with the knowledge, skills. It enables all learners not only to gain a quality education but to integrate them in the web of social relations in a community. 2

3 Basic Concepts Transition into the labour market key task of education: preparing learners for the world of work; supporting learners through the actual transition process; developing strategies increasing labour market outcomes in initial employment opportunities; work-based learning (WBL) - development of occupational identity, higher wages & shorter unemployment period. Basic Concepts Prevention of violent extremism: Increasing evidence that phenomena of disintegration and lack of belonging among youth (which, together with other factors, might lead to extremist attitudes) tend to be less present in countries with integrated and relatively open education systems. Role of education in preventing violent extremism: helping to avoid that people become supporters or actors of violent extremisms, in particular by developing resilience; controlling its outbreak, by early risk detection and intervention in schools and other educational settings. 3

4 Policies in the EU Paris Declaration on promoting citizenship and the common values of freedom, tolerance and non-discrimination through education (2015) - how education and training can best meet the challenges of social inclusion, radicalization and citizenship in order to prevent terrorist attacks? Ensuring young people acquire social, civic and intercultural competences by promoting democratic values and fundamental rights, social inclusion and nondiscrimination, as well as active citizenship; Enhancing critical thinking and media literacy, particularly in the use of the Internet and social media, so as to develop resistance to discrimination and indoctrination; Fostering the education of disadvantaged children and young people, by ensuring that our education and training systems address their needs; Promoting intercultural dialogue through all forms of learning in cooperation with other relevant policies and stakeholders Policies in the EU Commission s priority actions since 2016: mobilizing funding through the Erasmus+ projects addressing objectives of the Paris Declaration; development of better knowledge base and policy support to inclusive education and to the teaching of social and civic competences; development of support mechanisms for schools and teachers - diversity and environment for open discussion; higher education - engaging with communities volunteering and curricula combining academic content with civic engagement; promoting youth work, volunteering, and Erasmus+ virtual exchanges with students outside the EU; supporting local stakeholders promoting inclusion through sport. 4

5 Promising Initiatives in the EU Socio-Political Accompanying Programme for Leadership for Syria Scholarship Holders (Germany) applicants 221 scholarships awarded all academic disciplines University of Konstanz: Personal competence, Good governance and Sustainable economic development. Blended learning concept: 3 on-campus workshops + e-learning modules Topics: (i) peace settlements and public security, (ii) principles of democracy, (iii) the role of civil society (iv) the challenges of corruption and organized crime, (v) transnational economic cooperation, (vi) social policy and educational systems, (vii) ethics of public administration, corporate social responsibility, (viii) nature of teams and teamwork, (ix) coping with post-traumatic syndromes once back in Syria Promising Initiatives in the EU Socio-Political Accompanying Programme for Leadership for Syria Scholarship Holders (Germany) Evaluation results: shift in students mind-set: 73 % believe that they increased their tolerance and respect for different opinions in the Syrian context. 52 % feel having strengthened they role in the Syrian ex-pat discourse and community. 56 % think that they made progress towards their integration into German society. 54 % were looking for a job in Germany. 19 % were currently working in Germany. 5

6 Promising Initiatives in the EU You Also Have a Chance! (Slovakia) Elimination of educational inequalities between Roma and non-roma population in Slovakia University of Economics in Bratislava + local NGO (Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Culture) Targeted support to Roma applicants: Free pre-study courses provided by the university; Support in submission of study application; Support in finding accommodation; Study scholarship. 2 Roma students obtained a Bachelor s degree in Challenges 1) Radicalisation risks and prevention modalities are highly dependent on the country context conflict situation, demographics, citizenship model, education system, etc. Thus, there is not one size fit all approach. 2) The amount of relevant and credible research and evidence is limited political commitment differs from country to country. 3) The role of education is to create conditions that will strengthen learners commitment to non-violence and peaceful behaviour and help them to build the defences against extremism and radicalization: Primary education - foster children s development of empathy = emotional attitude towards prevention of intolerance and violence, VET - integration into the world of work, Higher education teacher training. 6

7 Based on Abu Dhabi Memorandum on Good Practices on Education and Countering Violent Extremism (2015) and Abu Dhabi Plan of Action for Education and Countering Violent Extremism (2016). General Programs and Policies: Awareness raising of decision-makers. Sharing and disseminating good practices. Use a multi-sectoral approach (education + other policies). Commission and conduct research projects. Ensure that the programs and policies promoted are designed and implemented with full regard to States obligations under international law, including international human rights law. Curriculum and teaching-learning methods: Emphasize active learning methods, to develop critical-thinking, civic responsibility and human values. Integrate values of civic education and civic responsibility into popular subjects such as math, science, engineering and medicine. Develop VET programs in regions where violent extremist recruitment is triggered by unemployment. Schools and Higher Education Institutions: Make the environment violence-free. Promote teacher development in inter-cultural communication. Identify students that are on the path towards violent extremism and intervene. 7

8 Schools and Higher Education Institutions: Address dropout rates as a significant driver of radicalization. Encourage collaboration between schools and private sector companies to assist in job placement after graduation. Train students and teachers on how to use the Internet safely. Government: Train state officials on basic elements of preventing violent extremism. Link relevant ministries within the government on appropriate intervention plans and strategies. Train teachers in communication, critical thinking and resilience. Equip teachers with knowledge about violent extremism in their context. Government: Institutionalize quality standards for learning for all types of schools (including those of religious institutions). Media and Technology: Promote and enhance critical media literacy, particularly by educating children and youth in the use of the Internet and social media. Support existing tools and media to reinforce lessons around preventing violent extremism. Private Sector: Target corporate social responsibility programs on preventing extremism. Invite interested private sector companies to participate in education and training programs and services for preventing violent extremism. 8

9 Family and Community: Train and empower youth to serve as positive mentors to their peer school groups. Involve youth and students through dialogue and debate. Promote interactions between students/out-of-school youth and formal and informal settings providing positive role models (in particular: youth movements; religious leaders; music; sports, arts, etc). Develop informal and formal programs for educating parents and families. Create public awareness campaigns to educate the general community on how violence and violent extremism can affect their daily lives. Work with religious leaders on preventing violent extremism and education in religious schools. Sports, Arts and Cultural Initiatives: Facilitate lectures and discussions between pupils/students and popular sports players and artists as role models to promote non-violent actions. Engage children and youth through sports and arts. 9

10 THANKYOUFORYOUR ATTENTION! 10