The course aims to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical skills to recognise and address hate speech, Afrophobia and structural racism in both offline and online contexts. It seeks to increase awareness of how stereotypes, discrimination and harmful narratives are created and reproduced, while developing participants’ ability to critically analyse media content and respond through inclusive communication and counter-narratives. The course also aims to encourage informed and responsible action by introducing practical tools and the SONDER Platform for accessing resources, documenting and reporting incidents, supporting monitoring activities and contributing to collective efforts against Afrophobia and hate speech.

This course provides a comprehensive learning pathway for understanding and addressing hate speech, Afrophobia and structural racism, while strengthening participants’ ability to recognise discriminatory narratives and respond through inclusive and responsible communication. Through practical activities, case studies, discussions and interactive exercises, participants explore how racism and hate speech operate in everyday life, media and digital environments, and how they can contribute to positive change.

The course consists of five modules:

Module 1 – Understanding Hate Speech: Introduces the concept and different forms of hate speech, helping participants recognise discriminatory language and understand its impact on individuals and communities.

Module 2 – Understanding Afrophobia: Explores Afrophobia and structural racism, including their historical and contemporary dimensions, and examines how stereotypes, prejudice and systemic inequalities affect Afro-European communities.

Module 3 – Media Literacy and Online Narratives: Develops participants’ ability to critically analyse media and online content, identify bias, stereotypes, misinformation and discriminatory narratives, and better understand how digital environments can contribute to their spread.

Module 4 – Counter-Narratives and Inclusive Communication: Introduces approaches for challenging harmful narratives and stereotypes through counter-narratives, respectful representation and inclusive communication.

Module 5 – Using the SONDER Platform: Familiarises participants with the SONDER Platform and its resources and tools, including opportunities to document and report incidents, contribute to monitoring activities and support collaborative action against Afrophobia and hate speech.

The course aims to raise awareness and strengthen participants’ understanding of hate speech, Afrophobia and structural racism, while developing the knowledge and practical skills needed to recognise and challenge discrimination in both offline and online environments. It seeks to enhance critical media literacy, promote the use of counter-narratives and inclusive communication, and encourage more responsible and respectful representation of Afro-European communities. The course also aims to empower participants to move from awareness to action by using the SONDER Platform and its resources to document and report incidents, contribute to monitoring activities, and support collaborative efforts to combat Afrophobia, hate speech and discrimination.

The course is primarily addressed to educators, youth workers, trainers and community facilitators who work with diverse communities and wish to strengthen their capacity to recognise and address hate speech, Afrophobia and discrimination. It is also relevant to other stakeholders working in the fields of education, social inclusion and community development who are interested in promoting inclusive practices and creating safer and more respectful offline and online environments

The course curriculum consists of five interconnected modules covering the following key topics and learning areas:

Module 1 – Understanding Hate Speech

• Definition and key characteristics of hate speech
• Different forms and manifestations of hate speech
• Hate speech, discrimination and prejudice
• Impact on individuals, communities and society
• Recognition and response to hate speech in different contexts

Module 2 – Exploring Afrophobia

• Understanding Afrophobia and anti-Black racism
• Historical roots and contemporary manifestations of Afrophobia
• Structural and systemic racism
• Stereotypes, racialisation and discrimination
• Lived experiences and the impact of Afrophobia on Afro-European communities

Module 3 – Media Literacy and Online Narratives

• Critical media and digital literacy
• Identifying stereotypes, bias and discriminatory narratives
• Representation of racialised communities in media
• Misinformation and harmful online content
• Critical analysis of online narratives and digital communication

Module 4 – Counter-Narratives and Inclusive Communication

• Understanding counter-narratives and their role in addressing hate speech
• Challenging stereotypes and discriminatory narratives
• Principles of inclusive and respectful communication
• Developing alternative and positive narratives
• Responsible representation and communication practices

Module 5 – Using the SONDER Platform

• Introduction to the SONDER Platform and its main functions
• Accessing educational resources and relevant materials
• Documenting and reporting incidents
• Monitoring Afrophobia and hate speech
• Using the platform to support collaboration and collective action