The Aarhus Programme for Deradicalisation

The Aarhus Model aims to dissuade young people from going to fight for al-Qaeda or Islamic State. Thirty travelled to Syria in 2013 but only two in the first half of 2015.

Somalian born Ahmed (25) moved to Denmark aged six, enjoyed playing football, did well in school, learnt Danish. After a family pilgrimage to Mecca, he became more religious. Wearing traditional Islamic dress, he was defensive and argumentative when baited by his Danish classmates, who became afraid he was an extremist and the school raised the alarm. Police, with his permission, searched his home and checked his email and social media accounts and he missed the end of year exams.

Angry, he listened to friends at the mosque, and they watched jihadi videos online. It was suggested he go to Pakistan. When the police contacted him, he spoke of his plans to visit Pakistan; they then suggested he first talk to ‘Mahmoud’, a fellow Muslim. Initially reluctant, Mahmoud's quiet, logical answers convinced him that he could be a good Muslim who doesn't hurt innocent people. After high school Ahmed went to university and has married. He hopes to be mentor himself one day.

An extensive network including parents, social workers, teachers, youth club workers, outreach workers and the police may raise the alarm about a young person who is being radicalised. The Aarhus Model can offer young people returning from Syria the opportunity to reintegrate into Danish society, provided they've committed no offence abroad, and provides mentoring for those intent on going to Syria, to persuade them not to travel. Parents of these people take part in self-help groups.

Source: How I was de-radicalised by Tim Mansel, BBC World Service, Aarhus. 2 July 2015 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-33344898