mASTERMINDS
about this project
Masterminds, a vital component of the UK-funded Brighter Futures Prevent Programme, tackles the global challenge of youth involvement in crime and extremism. By leveraging the transformative power of arts, including dance, music, and theatre, Masterminds empowers marginalized youth to resist negative influences, fostering community trust, leadership, and self-efficacy for a brighter future.
HOW IT WORKS
Globally, more and more marginalised young people are being drawn into gangs, extremist groups, and criminal enterprises. Often from deprived or conflict-affected environments, these people often view crime and extremism as a necessary – or indeed the only – way to escape poverty.
While improving their life circumstances may be challenging, it is possible to reshape their perceptions about the allure of extremism and criminality, and to build their ability to resist negative influences.
"Masterminds", a component of the UK-funded Brighter Futures Prevent Programme, is one such initiative. Alongside work to help vulnerable young people find meaningful employment, engage in volunteer work and return to education, one component of Masterminds harnesses the arts to foster resilience to the draw of criminality. Creative tools incorporating dance, music and theatre have proved engaging and empowering, with daily exercises culminating in performances that convey a strong message against criminal involvement and emphasise the value of honesty and integrity to communities.
This approach has measurably strengthened community trust and cohesion; helped youth to take on positive leadership roles in their communities, and improved participants belief in their own self-efficacy.
BENEFITS OF MASTERMINDS PROJECT
Resilience Building
Masterminds employs creative tools like dance, music, and theatre to enhance participants' ability to resist the draw of criminality, fostering resilience in the face of challenges.
Community Trust and Cohesion
The program has measurably strengthened trust within communities, creating a positive environment that encourages collaboration and support among participants.
Positive Leadership Roles
Through Masterminds, youth are empowered to take on positive leadership roles within their communities, contributing to the development and well-being of their surroundings.
Enhanced Belief in Self-Efficacy
Participants experience improved belief in their own capabilities, instilling confidence and a sense of competence that extends beyond the program.
Artistic Engagement and Empowerment
The use of daily exercises culminating in performances engages participants in the arts, providing a creative outlet for self-expression and empowerment.
Message Against Criminal Involvement
Performances convey a strong message against criminal involvement, promoting values of honesty and integrity to counter the allure of illicit activities.
Alignment with Employment and Education Goals
Masterminds aligns with broader program goals by complementing efforts to help vulnerable youth find meaningful employment, engage in volunteer work, and return to education.
Global
Impact
As part of the UK-funded Brighter Futures Prevent Programme, Masterminds addresses the global issue of youth involvement in crime and extremism, contributing to international efforts for a safer future.
Holistic Approach
The initiative takes a holistic approach by combining artistic expression with employment, education, and volunteer opportunities, providing a comprehensive strategy for positive youth development.
Long-Term Effect
By instilling positive values and skills, Masterminds aims to have a lasting impact, contributing to the long-term prevention of crime and extremism among marginalized youth.
