Open Your Eyes to ISIS/DAESH

Through a multimedia education course supported by prevention workshops, participants learn about the false claims of extremism and develop counter narratives to prevent radicalisation and violence

Who is it for?

Young people within secondary school, further education or higher education who are vulnerable to being negatively influenced by the messaging of ISIS/DAESH.

What is it?

Through a multimedia education course supported by prevention workshops, participants learn about the false claims of extremism and develop counter narratives to prevent radicalisation and violence

What it involves?

The course is delivered through peer-to-peer engagement via workshops and seminars and consolidated through a social media campaign. Using multimedia material presented by young people, participants can explore views in a safe, non-judgemental space. The course will be facilitated by experienced trainers who understand the sense of alienation felt my young people and have very real, earned experience, often having learned from their own safeguarding issues.

The course covers the following topics:
• Issues of alienation and perceived outsider status that are exploited by ISIS/DAESH.
• Counter narratives that highlights the devastating impact that a decision to follow ISIS/DAESH will have on individuals, families, communities and nations.
• Dispelling the myths of ISIS/DAESH.
• Presentation of clear facts that ISIS/DAESH does not hold the answer to their questions or needs.
• ISIS/Daesh is unislamic.
• Britain is a good place to be a Muslim.

What it achieves?

Through honest, measured debate and conversation, young people will gain both knowledge and skills to think critically about the world around them, and the way they interact with it.

Over the course of the programme they will gain:

• Awareness of Myths About Extremism – a deeper understanding of how people can be drawn towards groups and ideologies that offer firm black-and-white solutions.

• Communication Skills – the confidence and competence to share with their peers how radicalisation occurs and the futility of extremism and violence.
• Critical Thinking Skills – an ability to think critically and confidently about themselves and others as well as personal, social and political conflict and its consequences.
• Awareness of Counter Narratives – an increased appreciation for values and a reduced susceptibility to extremist narratives.
• Upstanding Neighbourhoods Membership – ongoing support as part of a wider Youth Network with access to other projects for support, advice and information.