Rosenheim starts innovative youth project against radicalization!

Rosenheim starts innovative youth project against radicalization!

An exciting project is starting today in Rosenheim that deals with a critical issue: the radicalization of young people. The youth project “W3”, which stands for “Knowledge, Values, We”, brings the innovative “XGames” into play - an interactive concept for radicalization prevention that is intended to appeal to young people between the ages of 16 and 27. The aim is to sensitize participants to dangerous patterns of manipulation and to train them as multipliers, as Radio Charivari reports.

But what exactly are these “XGames”? It is a participatory live game that imperceptibly confronts the young players with the methods and arguments of extremist groups. They are placed in morally questionable situations that lead them on a challenging journey through an extremist system. The game includes five stations that draw the participants deeply into the topic, from which there initially seems to be no way out, as the information from RISE Jugendkultur makes clear. The subsequent follow-up phase makes it possible to process and reflect on the experience.

Reflection and knowledge

A crucial component of the “XGames” is the reflection on the extremist methods experienced. The aim is to give participants the skills to recognize and resist extremist thought patterns. This reflection is particularly important because it makes the experiences tangible for everyone, regardless of their individual prior knowledge. Research at the German Youth Institute shows that the causes of radicalization are diverse. Young people are looking for direction and a place in society, which makes them vulnerable to manipulation by extremist actors.

The social context is just as important: the discussion about social, family and individual factors influencing radicalization processes is becoming increasingly intense. Extremist actors exploit the insecurities of young people to win them over to their ideologies. In this area, professional action is necessary to analyze suspicions without stigmatizing young people. There are numerous programs in Germany that are dedicated to this topic, including the federal program “Living Democracy!”, which not only deals with radicalization but also with strengthening democratic attitudes.

Overall, the “W3” project with the “XGames” aims to offer young people an exciting and educational experience that supports them in dealing critically with extremist approaches. With a good hand, this innovative format could be a real asset for radicalization prevention and help young people develop a clear stand against extremist ideologies.