A coordination meeting between the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM) team, high-school directors, and representatives of the Municipality of Kumanovo was held at the “Goce Delchev” Secondary School in Kumanovo as part of the Guardian Shield project. The initiative introduces a new focus in efforts to prevent violent extremism — piloting and refining a community-based referral model for the early identification of risk factors that may lead to radicalization.
The meeting was dedicated to presenting the progress achieved so far and to defining the next steps for implementing the pilot referral model in the participating schools. It emphasized the crucial role of schools in this process, as they are the environment where young people spend most of their time and where early signs of risk can be most easily detected. At the same time, the municipality’s support was recognized as essential for the long-term sustainability and successful implementation of project activities.
Participants jointly discussed the upcoming activities and outlined the mechanisms for cooperation within the local community.
Currently, the project is in its implementation phase in three pilot municipalities – Kumanovo, Gostivar, and Shtip. Multidisciplinary teams composed of representatives from municipal institutions, social services, schools, and civil society organizations are working together to test the model, strengthen coordination, and enhance local prevention capacities.
As noted by Marija Risteska, CRPM Executive Directress, the prevention of radicalization requires strong and continuous cooperation across different sectors of society:
“Timely recognition of the risk factors that can lead to radicalization among young people is only possible when schools, institutions, families, and communities work together. Through such a coordinated approach, we can build systems of support and resilience that truly protect youth from destructive influences.”
The Guardian Shield project is implemented by the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM) in partnership with Hedayah – the International Center of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism, with financial support from the European Union. Its overall goal is to strengthen local resilience to radicalization by developing effective mechanisms for cooperation and prevention at the community level.
