Always reassuring to hear about an effective community project, even though in this case I'm not sure about it coming under the heading 'preventing violent extremism'... Here are some extracts from a good CYP Now article by Jo Stephenson describing an initiative in a community centre in London's Mile End:
More than 20 young Muslim men have gathered for the Mile End Community Project's weekly Newsnite session. Unlike Jeremy Paxman, the chair keeps contributors in order by shouting: "Shut up, man!"
The mood is informal as the boys relax on beanbags and sofas, downing cola and eating Doritos. Participants are expected to come ready to discuss something they've seen in a newspaper or magazine, on TV, radio or the web.
The scheme meets key government policy objectives, such as offering "a safe space for open debate" and a chance to air grievances.
"It helps us," adds Abdul Samad, 18. "Some ain't as confident. It helps them to debate and they get encouraged to say their stuff."
