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Nizhny Novgorod's bold campaign fights youth extremism with 500+ initiatives

From Beware of Extremism! workshops to unity festivals, this district is rewriting the rules on youth radicalization prevention. Can its model inspire others?

The image shows a Russian propaganda poster for the Soviet Union featuring a picture of a building...
The image shows a Russian propaganda poster for the Soviet Union featuring a picture of a building and a flag. The poster has text written on it, likely describing the event.

Nizhny Novgorod's bold campaign fights youth extremism with 500+ initiatives

Nizhny Novgorod's Leninsky District has stepped up efforts to combat extremism and terrorism among young people. Over 500 initiatives were organised in 2025, involving schools, libraries, sports clubs, and colleges. Deputy district head Maria Krendyaseva outlined the progress in a recent report on prevention work. The district's campaign included special sessions for students, such as Beware of Extremism! and Modern Society as a Source of Danger. Schools also hosted roundtables on A World Without Aggression, Courage Lessons, and the Letter to a Soldier campaign. A festival titled Our Strength Lies in Unity! brought together teenagers for discussions and activities.

Support networks in schools play a key role in shielding young people from extremist influence. The district has 18 volunteer groups, 6 Yunarmiya detachments, and 13 school museums dedicated to this work. Local chapters of the Movement of the First also contribute to prevention efforts. Public engagement reached over 15,700 participants during events for the Day of Solidarity in the Fight Against Terrorism and Defender of the Fatherland Day. These gatherings reinforced community awareness and encouraged young people to reject violent ideologies.

The district's approach combines education, volunteer networks, and public events to tackle extremism. Schools and local organisations continue to expand their prevention programmes. Authorities plan to maintain these efforts in the coming year.

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