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sesame Resist

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TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

TPM Nº 1 in Wuppertal - Germany

AbouT the Project

A growing threat of radicalization and violent extremism significantly impacts the psychosocial health of students, influencing both social cohesion and academic achievement. Schools, as primary socializing institutions, play a critical role in early prevention, where fostering resilience and critical thinking is essential for mitigating risk factors such as social isolation and identity crises. To address these challenges, educational systems must adopt structured pedagogical approaches that promote inclusive environments, democratic values, and a sense of social belonging, which are vital for preventing extremist recruitment and ensuring long-term community security.

The promotion of resilient behavior relies heavily on multi-tiered support systems influenced by social and personal factors that vary across cultural contexts. One established school-based framework for fostering positive social-cultural norms is Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support (SW-PBS). SW-PBS integrates research from school development, mental health, and special education to improve behavioral outcomes across multiple levels of intensity. It defines universal expectations at Tier 1 for the entire student body while providing targeted and intensive support at Tiers 2 and 3 for those displaying specific risk factors. While traditional applications focus on general conduct, there is a significant opportunity to adapt SW-PBS strategies to specifically address and prevent radicalization.

The SESAME-RESIST project develops an innovative adaptation of the Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support (SW-PBS) framework, specifically tailored to strengthen student resilience against extremist ideologies. Through a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), educators will be upskilled in risk assessment and intervention strategies, utilizing a digital support hub enhanced by AI-driven tools and nudge-based methodologies for peer-led awareness campaigns.
   

OU​R GOALS

1. Identification of risk and protective factors for youth radicalization: Since extremist behavior is influenced by psychological distress, social isolation, and identity crises, we first aim to identify these vulnerabilities through the development of a psychometrically sound risk assessment tool. This evidence-based foundation is used to inform the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and ensure that interventions address the specific mental health and social needs of the student population without stigmatization.

2. Development of a SW-PBS/MTSS approach for the prevention of violent extremism: A structured 3-tier intervention framework will be developed to foster resilience and social belonging. At Tier 1, universal strategies will promote a positive school climate, critical thinking, and democratic values for all students. At Tier 2, targeted support such as mentorship and peer-led initiatives will be provided for students showing signs of vulnerability. At Tier 3, intensive, individualized interventions will be implemented for those displaying high-risk factors, focusing on trauma-informed care and behavioral threat assessment.

3. Development of teacher training and student ambassador modules: To ensure the precise and comprehensive implementation of the SESAME-RESIST model, we are developing training modules that qualify pedagogical staff in VE prevention, empathy-building, and mental health literacy. Simultaneously, training tools will be created for "Student Ambassadors" to equip them with leadership and digital literacy skills. This dual approach empowers both educators and students to create peer-support networks and counter extremist narratives effectively.

4. Piloting and evaluation of the innovative intervention model: The final phase involves the implementation and evaluation of the developed concept across various educational contexts in Europe. This stage focuses on measuring the project's impact on reducing radicalization risks, strengthening student mental well-being, and promoting civic engagement. The evaluation ensures the effectiveness and scalability of the model, facilitating its transferability and long-term sustainability across EU schools.

WHO SESAME RESIST PROJECT IS FOR?

  • Students (12-16 years): will be engaged as active participants in the piloting phase and creators of awareness campaigns, using project methods to enhance critical thinking and social inclusion while reducing radicalization risk factors.
  • Educational Staff: including teachers, counselors, and psychologists from pilot schools, will lead the implementation of the SESAME-RESIST approach, using specialized tools to identify and counter signs of radicalization.
  • School Leaders, Administrators, and the School Community: will participate in the evaluation and validation of the project, providing crucial feedback to refine strategies and ensure the effectiveness of the prevention framework.
  • VET (Vocational Educational and Training) centers, civil society organizations, youth, universities and sport organizations
  • Policy Makers at Local, National, and European Levels: will be presented with the project's evidence-based results to demonstrate the potential of early detection and intervention strategies in combating radicalization across school systems.
  • Citizens in general
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