Over the course of two years, 9 partner organisations from 7 European countries joined forces to design a new model of European youth empowerment to tackle racism, xenophobia and discrimination aimed at migrants.

The core of this concept was the ‘Hate Interrupter Teams’ (HITs) – task groups of young people (14-19) developed through participatory, inclusive arts-based practices, facilitated by youth workers, mentors and guidance practitioners, intervening in hate speech and behaviour towards migrants (HSBM) in their communities, at school and among their peers.

Last week, the partners came together to present to their peers the final results of this exciting project. Amid a continued global pandemic, the conference was forced to take place online. Although this kept us from meeting in person, it also allowed for over 80 participants around the world to join in and learn about the project.

Those who joined got to hear, watch and experience an incredible diversity of creativity by all HIT youth groups. It was remarkable to see the full scale of the amazing work that had taken place within the framework of the project.

Kicking off the conference, partners first presented the project need and its concept, as well as the process and tools developed. Among the most exciting tools is the HIT online app, which is available on all mobile app stores. The interactive app allows users to easily design beautiful and playful anti-hate speech content, which can then be posted on social media.

Next, highlights from the HIT local actions from across Europe were presented to the attendees. This is when the incredible work and creativity of the youth and youth workers was really demonstrated. Music, art, animation, theatre, writing: all mediums were utilized by the HIT groups. The youth workers shared the process of creating this content as a powerful participatory dialogue with the youth.


Another striking highlight of the conference (and the project as a whole) was learning the extent and different manifestations of hate speech in the different participating countries. Through ongoing discussions among the youth and with the mentors, an important understanding of the unique local challenges was drawn, and many common issues were also raised.

With the current pandemic pushing youth even deeper into the virtual world, online hate speech is as urgent a concern as ever. The HIT project offered one creative and inspiring approach for tackling this pressing matter. The Hate Interrupter Teams’ inspires young people to feel it is within their own power to take on hateful behaviour, and to fill the world with positivity.