Panel | My Story – Our Story; Talking Together with Tradition in Mind

The ZELVI Panel, featuring expert speakers from various fields, was successfully held in Amsterdam with the participation of 160 attendees.

Overview

An Educational Approach to Radicalisation: The ZELVI Model

Radicalisation is not a challenge that can be addressed solely through security policies. It is also an educational issue. During the process of identity development, young people may become entrenched in rigid, one-dimensional patterns of thinking. It is precisely at this critical stage that the ZELVI model offers an innovative and pedagogical perspective.

ZELVI, short for Zoektocht naar een Eigen Levensoriëntatie temidden van een Veelheid aan Interpretaties (Search for a Personal Life Orientation Amidst a Multitude of Interpretations), aims to support young people's development of religious identity. The model encourages youth to read religious texts critically, understand their historical context, and relate them to their personal experiences.

Core Principles of the ZELVI Model

• Dialogue: Encouraging young people to question their own beliefs and compare them with other religious perspectives.

• Religious Literacy: Helping youth understand the historical context of sacred texts and recognize that these texts can be interpreted in various ways.

• Playful Learning: Challenging youth to explore their identity through multiple "I-positions" and develop the ability to critically engage with unfamiliar ideas.

What Was Discussed During the Panel?

The panel addressed topics such as ethics on social media in the context of religious identity development. One of the key challenges discussed was how to equip young people to ask meaningful questions such as:

• “Who am I as a believer?”

• “How does my faith relate to modern society?”

ZELVI offers a pedagogical framework for teachers, educators, academics, and youth workers to guide young people through the complexities of religious identity formation.

Is it possible to approach radicalisation not as a threat, but as an educational issue? ZELVI firmly answers “Yes!”—seeking to empower youth through dialogue, knowledge, and empathy.

Event Highlights

• Panel Discussion:

The panel featured four distinguished speakers, each focusing on a unique aspect of the ZELVI model. The discussion was guided by an experienced moderator, fostering an engaging and insightful exchange between the panellists and the audience.

• Publication:

IDEIS will publish the panel’s content in the form of a booklet, enabling a broader audience to benefit from the valuable insights shared during the event.

• Iftar Gathering:

Following the panel, attendees gathered for an Iftar meal in a setting that reflected the spiritual essence of Ramadan, fostering community and shared values.

Join the Conversation

For more information about this innovative educational approach or to take part in future events and discussions, please feel free to contact us.

Let’s build a resilient future for our young people—together.