TRAININGS ON PREVENTION OF VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND RADICALISATION

The Georgian Center for Strategy and Development (GCSD) conducted online trainings on the prevention of violent extremism and radicalization. The trainings took place in three stages and 62 people participated in it. They were selected by GCSD through an open competition. The participants were introduced to the different approaches, programs and best practices in P/CVE. 

The 5-session curriculum emphasizes the benefits of collaborative approaches that go beyond security-oriented responses and are backed by advanced practices. Countering Violent Extremism Program aims to train civil servants and CSOs to understand the latest practices in PCVE. 

This is the first PCVE curriculum in Georgian that reflects and was adapted to the Georgian context. The curriculum includes "Countering Violent Extremism: An Introductory Guide to Concepts, Programming and, Best Practices" a trainer's guide, thematic videos, presentations and supporting Exercises. The project is supported by the Hedayah Center in the framework of STRIVE Global Program funded by the EU. The training material was translated and adapted for the local context by the GCSD.

"Unconventional,  informative in many ways  - is the shortest and easiest evaluation of the training. An open space full of interesting topics - for free discussion, sharing experiences, and forming your own views. Emphasis was placed on the importance of a multifaceted approach to issues and context. The need to raise awareness and involvement as many people from different fields as possible has been identified. Here, I would especially like to highlight the critical importance of advancing the next generation, youth and technology in preventing violent extremism and radicalization. P.S. Of course, it would be better to cover some of the practical exercises, which were not possible due to the Covid pandemic", one of the participants' feedback after the training.

The training consists of ten modules, which include both general practice and experience in the field, as well as recommendations for representatives of various fields. The program integrates the roles of government, civil society, media, youth, community leaders, women, and children, technology, and narratives in PCVE programs and efforts.

The curriculum emphasizes the benefits of collaborative approaches that go beyond security-oriented response and are backed by best practices. It also provides appropriate tools and recommendations for easy adaptation to local context, culture, and characteristics. Finally, the program helps to identify and eliminate risks at an early stage using the program design and the Do No Harm approach. 

The guide is available on the link: http://bit.ly/3h5rJMS 

The trainings were held in the framework of the project "PCVE in Georgia – capacity building for CSOs and civil servants", implemented by the GCSD in cooperation with the Hedayah Center.