FUNDACIÓN VÍCTIMAS DEL TERRORISMO 93 - ENGLISH

21 COLABORACIÓN MIR Participants were reminded that, on oc- casion, students' questions may touch on sensitive issues, probe into too perso- nal or address issues that they may not wish to discuss at that moment. Those of us who have accompanied victims of terrorism to schools know that talking to young people between the ages of 15 and 18 can involve dealing with very sensitive and personal issues. The wor- kshop explains that in these situations, it is important to respond sincerely wi- thout losing sight of the shared goal of all those who voluntarily decide to re- count their experiences to students: to help prevent violent radicalisation and extremism among young people. In this regard, recent developments in jihadist radicalisation in Spain are characterised by a trend towards the rejuvenation of those who become ra- dicalised. It is significant that most of those who become radicalised begin the process in adolescence, when they are most vulnerable and in the midst of spiritual and identity development. It is precisely with the aim of promoting an activity that focuses on the cogniti- ve aspect of empathy as a tool for pre- vention that this programme has been created, which constitutes an effective way of instilling a rejection of violence through the enormous potential of the testimonies of victims of terrorism. Attendees had the opportunity to pre- pare their presentations in a practical session in which they were able to apply the theory they had learned through a personalised assessment aimed at rein- forcing their communication skills. One by one, the participants shared their testimonies before the attentive gaze of their peers. At first, some were reserved, but little by little they gained composure and got in touch with their emotions. Each intervention was recei- ved with unanimous applause, sincere recognition of the act of courage it takes to generously open one's heart and re- live one of the most terrible moments of one's life. This practical exercise also allows each person to assess whether they feel ready to participate in the testimonies for the educational project. It is a very emo- tionally difficult activity, and it is very important to feel ready to face such a demanding experience. For the Direc- torate-General for Support to Victims of Terrorism, it is a priority that parti- cipants in this activity see it as a healing experience and feel that their experien- ce can help others and keep the memory of what happened alive. The workshop was charged with emo- tion: tears, laughter, hugs, handsha- kes, exchanges of contact numbers and much gratitude. The participating victims agreed that this training had helped them to strengthen their perso- nal narrative, gain confidence and feel accompanied by those who share their experience. The day was also attended by social workers involved in organising the educational project and supporting the victims, as well as the Deputy Director General, the Area Coordinator and the Director General herself. It is important to highlight the added value of these meetings, which offer victims the opportunity to get together, share experiences, listen to others who have been through similar situations, and create bonds of mutual support. After an intense day, it is time to re- turn home with what we have learned. Today, we have all learned something: those who shared their testimonies and those of us who listened to the courageous words of victims who will soon be taking stories into classrooms to raise awareness and educate young people. The workshop was charged with emotion: tears, laughter, hugs, handshakes, exchanges of contact numbers and much gratitude NEWS