A conversation with Patricia Hladschik, Director of polis - the Austrian Centre for Civic Education in Schools, on why education, including civic one, is not a kind of fire brigade, but when conducted systematically builds a solid foundation to counter radicalisation and violent extremism in society. Sometimes simple and proven teaching methods are better than very sophisticated innovations. However, it is important to bear in mind the preparation of the educators themselves, who should reflect on their own competences for working with such difficult subjects. We also discuss how they can complement each other in local communities with social workers