L2M Validate / Qc Winter 2026 / Sport a way to prevent violent extremism

Kafka is a youth-focused initiative that uses team sports and structured activities to prevent violent extremism by addressing its root causes: social exclusion, discrimination, and lack of belonging. The project creates safe spaces where young people participate in team-based sports combined with mentorship, dialogue sessions, and positive role modelling to build social connections, mutual respect, and resilience against harmful ideologies. Unlike traditional security approaches, Kafka takes a preventive, community-centered approach that empowers youth through inclusion rather than surveillance. With eight years of development sector experience and a comprehensive global review of sport-based prevention programs, Kafka offers partner organizations, whether in policy, research, or peacebuilding evidence-informed model to engage at-risk youth, strengthen community cohesion, and create measurable social impact. By integrating sport with social development principles, partners can leverage an accessible, scalable tool that reaches youth where they are, builds trust within communities, and contributes to long-term peace and stability.

Faculty Supervisor:

Tegwen Gadais

Student:

Partner:

V1 Studio

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

Université du Québec à Montréal

Program: