“Preventing Extremism through Youth Engagement” was a two-stage international youth exchange project which gathered 32 young people from 4 countries (Greece, Armenia, Georgia and Turkey) and empowered and equipped them to fight against extremism and radicalization. Violent extremism and radicalization is a denial of democracy and of human rights. Unfortunately in Europe and beyond an increasing number of young people are being drawn into extremist movements in their search for identity and a meaningful place in society. Profound feelings of injustice and frustration about their social exclusion are amongst the main root causes contributing to young people's vulnerability, and increase their willingness to adhere to extremist, sometimes violent groups, which offer an apparent social purpose to them. In order to effectively commit to the elimination of radicalization and extremism, it is crucial to invest more in prevention measures targeting young people. Youth engagement activities form a cornerstone as youth can engage their peers on par taking advantage their own life stories. Overall aims & Objectives: The main aim of this two-stage Youth Exchange "Preventing Extremism through Youth Engagement" was to create a platform where young people would demystify the concepts of radicalization and extremism, become more aware of processes and risks leading to radicalization and extremism and be empowered to engage in anti-extremism and de-radicalization efforts both individually and collectively within their local communities in general and among refugees and migrant communities in particular. One journey: 2 stages! The first stage was the Youth Exchange (A1) in Armenia (1-10 August 2021) where participants explored the subject, its challenges and opportunities. In between the first and the second stage participants did research and observation in their local communities to find useful insights and opportunities for combating radicalization and extremism. The second stage was the Youth Exchange (A2) in Greece (16-23 October 2021) which gathered insights, learning, inspirations and experience of participants from their local communities and translated them into concrete de-radicalization and anti-extremism quality youth projects to be carried out under Erasmus + Programme. Objectives of the first stage: Youth Exchange (A1) in Yerevan, Armenia (1-10 August 2021) - Explored the concept of radicalization and extremism among youth - Explored the root causes for radicalization and extremism. - Analyzed the current situation and risks facing young people today, particularly young people among refugees/asylum seekers and migrants. - Explored common European Values of tolerance, pluralism, non-discrimination, justice, solidarity and democracy and how youth could embrace and promote them in their local communities. - Decided themes, topics and methods of the Youth Exchange Activity in Greece - Formed teams from participants to do research and observation in their local communities in order to find useful insights and opportunities for combating radicalization and extremism. Objectives of the second stage: Youth Exchange (A2) in Megara, Greece (16-23 October 2021) - Provided opportunities to share good practices in fighting extremism and radicalization. - Gathered insights, learning, inspirations and experience of participants from their local communities and translated them into concrete project ideas. - Equipped participants with knowledge and skills in the field of project management in order to enable them to develop quality youth projects. - Promoted Erasmus + Programme and explained how young people could be involved in it. - Developed concrete projects to be applied under Erasmus + Programme - Transferred knowledge and skills through developing and publishing online the booklet “Youth Fighting Radicalization and Extremism” The Youth Exchange was based on non-formal learning methods and principles, intercultural dialogue and communication in including group discussions, interactive presentations, participant’s lead workshops, team work,etc. Youthpass tool was used throughout the project to help young people reflect regularly on their personal learning journeys and become more aware of their own learning. The methodology of the project stimulated active participation and sense of initiative and involvement of the learners. It created a learning space with better self-awareness and awareness of the needs and goals of the groups of young people they work with to enhance the results of the learning process and give birth to high quality projects led by the participants in the future.