2019/Bulgarian Group about Faith
Interview of Venimira Anastasova from the Bulgarian Group after the Training Course in Armenia "Face2Faith" 2019
According to your opinion, what drives the interfaith radicalization?
In my opinion, one of the drivers of interfaith radicalization is the access of the young people to the internet. The second problem is that many youngsters do not receive the needed understanding and support by their friends and family. The combination of these two factors, the loneliness plus the possibility to meet a person in the internet who will impose radical ideas, is the most dangerous one since the youth is the most vulnerable situation.
What is the role of youth organizations/NGOs in the prevention of interfaith radicalization?
I believe that NGOs and youth organizations can help in that situation with the organization of event, presentations and workshops related to the loneliness, misunderstanding of the youth by others, what is interfaith radicalization and way to prevent youth from it, tolerance and mutual understanding.
What can we do to protect young people from extremist influences in the online environment? What are your tips for staying safe online?
Parents are the first and most important factor in protection from extremism. They should not only talk with their children about interfaith radicalization and safe usage of social media, but also to try to understand their successions in their everyday life. If youth feel understood and supported by their family, even some radical to get in contact with them, they will go and talk with their parent or friends.
Youth organisations need to spread knowledge and inclusion. Their task is to create events where young vulnerable people can go to and find a welcoming community. If a young adult finds himself in a healthy and educated environment, where care is actually given, radicalisation can be decreased slowly.