The goal of the project
The NextGenBoys project offers modern, creative work with boys as an effective means of extremism prevention and promoting participation in a socially challenging environment (including Düsseldorf district 08). It is aimed at boys and young men aged 10 to 21 with a refugee or migration background, as well as those from their immediate surroundings. The goal is to unlock creative potential, strengthen identity and self-efficacy, reduce prejudice, and teach non-violent communication. Through the integration of art, music, and sports, participants experience diversity as an enrichment, develop mental resilience, and are sustainably strengthened against extremist influences.
Our Process
The offer is based on four central pillars that promote different forms of expression:
- Music production: Composing, writing lyrics and recording songs/videos to give voice to one's own feelings.
- Fine arts: Visual forms of expression for self-perception and reflection.
- Boxing training: Teaching values such as respect, fairness, discipline and non-violent conflict resolution.
- Joint excursions: Visits to cultural and sporting events to deepen the exchange and build friendships between refugee and local boys.
During the school term, training takes place once a week for three hours; during the spring, summer and autumn holidays, multi-day intensive workshops are offered.
Place and time
The project runs from January to December 2026. Activities take place in Düsseldorf (District 08, including in and around refugee accommodations, group homes for unaccompanied minor refugees, and through collaborations with international school classes). The target group comprises 10 to 15 boys* aged 10 to 21.
Effect
The project creates a safe space for identity formation and social participation. By dismantling prejudices and experiencing art and sport together, the project sustainably strengthens the cohesion between refugee and local youth. Participants learn constructive methods of conflict resolution, develop self-confidence, and recognize their own valuable role in society, which makes them more resistant to extremist ideologies in the long term.