In the final days of 2024, the Center for Research and Policy Making (CRPM) conducted a series of successful meetings with school representatives and directors in Kumanovo, Gostivar, and Shtip as part of the Guardian Shield project. Held on December 23 in Kumanovo, 24 in Gostivar, and 25 in Stip, respectively, these meetings marked a significant milestone in the project’s efforts to operationalize a referral mechanism for preventing radicalization and extremism in North Macedonia.
The meetings were a platform for collaboration, emphasizing the pivotal role of schools in identifying and addressing risks among youth. Directors and representatives from relevant schools in each municipality engaged in discussions about the project’s goals and their responsibilities in strengthening the capacities of teachers and frontline educators. Participants were also briefed on the upcoming activities, including online and in-person training sessions designed to enhance their ability to detect and address signs of radicalization.
In addition to reaffirming participation from previously identified educators, the discussions led to new nominations for the training sessions planned for January 2025. Schools committed to proposing 8-10 participants, prioritizing specialists such as pedagogues, psychologists, sociologists, and teachers, while also encouraging directors to join the training.
These nominations will bolster the January online training hosted on the Moodle platform, providing educators with tools and strategies to enhance their work with young people. Practical sessions will follow to ensure the knowledge gained can be applied effectively in real-world contexts. The next phase of the project will see the launch of the online training courses, beginning in the week of January 13, 2025, and running through the end of the month. Educators will gain access to modules designed to help them detect early signs of vulnerability to radicalization and intervene effectively. Practical sessions will follow, allowing participants to apply their learning in structured environments.
