The “Say No to Hate Speech” project, held in Berlin, Germany from April 10th to April 19th, 2023, was a Training Course aimed at educators, trainers, teachers, facilitators, youth workers, and youth leaders. Natalia Skorik and Aliaksej Burnosenka led the project as trainers, focusing on equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively address the issue of hate speech, particularly in the online sphere, through non-formal education.

The primary goal of this project was to introduce participants to the No Hate Speech Movement and its mission, delve into the realm of Human Rights and Human Rights Education as tools to combat online hate speech, raise awareness about internet literacy and online protection mechanisms, explore the role of bloggers in countering hate speech online, and empower young people to become “online activists” for human rights. Additionally, the project aimed to provide participants with the necessary tools to organize both online and offline campaigns against hate speech, fostering the development of sustainable information campaigns for human rights online. Furthermore, it encouraged critical discussions about the boundaries of freedom of speech and when it can transgress into hate speech or even violate human rights.

By successfully achieving these objectives, the “Say No to Hate Speech” training course aspired to contribute to the creation of safe and respectful online environments while safeguarding human rights.

The expected outcomes of the project included:

1. A comprehensive understanding of the No Hate Speech Movement, its aims, and objectives.
2. Familiarity with the concepts of Human Rights and Human Rights Education in addressing online hate speech.
3. Increased awareness of internet literacy and online protection mechanisms.
4. Insight into the role of bloggers in combatting online hate speech.
5. The development of skills and motivation to identify online hate speech and become “online activists” advocating for human rights.
6. Proficiency in tools for organizing both online and offline campaigns to combat hate speech.
7. The initiation, development, and maintenance of sustainable information campaigns for human rights online.
8. Critical discussions regarding the boundaries of freedom of speech and when it crosses into hate speech or human rights violations.

In pursuit of high-quality standards, the project adhered to several principles, including expertise, relevance, clarity, interactivity, evaluation, accessibility, and sustainability. This ensured that the training course provided a rich learning experience while effectively promoting safe online environments and human rights protection.

The project’s core priorities encompassed inclusion and diversity, digital transformation, and fostering participation in democratic life and European values. These priorities were diligently reflected in the project’s design and execution.

Throughout the project, participants engaged in various activities, including team-building exercises, workshops, discussions, presentations, reflection sessions, and interactions with experts. These activities spanned diverse topics, such as human rights education, hate speech recognition, and the use of creative tools like Canva, Videomaking, Flipaclip, Inshot, and Figma to address human rights and hate speech.

Importantly, the project yielded significant competencies and experiences for participants. These encompassed intercultural competence, digital literacy, leadership skills, human rights education, project management, critical thinking, and civic engagement. These competencies will serve participants well in both their personal and professional lives, contributing to more inclusive, tolerant, and democratic societies.

At the project’s conclusion, tangible outcomes were evident, including the creation of creative materials addressing hate speech and human rights, increased awareness, enhanced skills and knowledge, and the establishment of new partnerships and collaborations. These results have a positive ripple effect, extending beyond the project’s scope and impacting participating communities.

The dissemination of project results was a pivotal aspect, carried out through social media, networks, audiovisual media, and creative documentation. This ensured that the project’s impact reached a broader audience, promoting human rights and combating hate speech.

While the project encountered minor challenges, such as language barriers and the need for additional support for a participant with mental health issues, these were effectively addressed. The proactive approach of the project team ensured that all participants were fully engaged, leading to the successful creation and dissemination of creative materials and project outcomes.

In summary, the “Say No to Hate Speech” project was a remarkable endeavor that empowered participants with vital skills and knowledge to combat hate speech and promote human rights. Its impact was amplified through creative materials, increased awareness, and strengthened partnerships, making it a valuable contribution to building more inclusive, tolerant, and democratic societies.