This project was inspired by recent events in Belarus which started after announcing the results of president election and which caused massive protests in Belarus against the regime of Alexander Lukashenko which still take place (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/06/belarus-protests-100000-turn-out-in-minsk-alexander-lukashenko 2020-09-10). Many countries and individuals try to provide support for Belarus citizens and their right to vote and to decide. All Baltic States provided diplomatic support urging new election in Belarus (https://www.rferl.org/a/baltic-states-urge-new-electionin-belarus-call-for-eu-sanctions/30785103.html). European Union has also enforced sanctions against Belarus government (https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-belarus-sanctions-first-steps/). Individual citizens are gathering and showing their support in encouraging civic initiatives. “The path of freedom” (“Laisves kelias”) supporting Belarus took place on a very symbolic date 23rd of August. On exact the same day 31 years ago all Baltic states stood into one path holding hands from between three capitals into Baltic path and it was their path to freedom (https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/solidarizuodamiesi-su-baltarusiais-lietuviai-gyva-grandine-sujungs-vilniu-irmedininkus-56-1365226). By observing these events and discussing with our colleagues and partners from other countries the “Democracy challenge” was born. The challenge which Belarus faces at the moment, but each of us can take our part, contribute, provide support and discuss the importance of active citizenship, unity and solidarity. It is perfect time for debates and discussions between young people, to better see and understand how important is the freedom and democratic rights we have. How decision-making processes should work in a country and why each of us matters and our voice should matter. Belarus is perfect example why urgent civic action is needed in case of breaking democratic principles. Keeping all this in mind, our youngsters decided to initiate project about active citizenship which would deepen their knowledge about democratic decision-making processes, the process of citizenship, raise awareness about importance of active involvement, encourage engagement and foster civic initiatives. Our partners, other participating countries also had difficult path towards independence, including Balkan countries from former Yugoslav Republic. Participants from Republic of North Macedonia are already the young generation with their points of view and opinion about former events in their country and recent events in Belarus. Although recent events (Belarus case) shows that high citizens participation in elections not necessary lead to the rightful leader (in case of fraud) but it shows how strong is the citizenship spirit and how much citizens would be willing to cooperate in case of such events. What is more, while preparing for the exchange, another dramatic political event took place while Russia invaded Ukraine and started war, full of war crimes. So project’s topic and its actuality increased even more and raised another subtopic for discussions during exchange. Project's aim: Developing competences in the field of active citizenship and engagements for 24 youngsters (including 9 youngsters with fewer opportunities (economic and social obstacles)) aged 16 – 28 years by organizing a youth exchange between 02-11.06.2022 in Kaunas, Lithuania. O1: To raise awareness about democratic decision-making processes and importance of active participation O2: To increase competences of active citizenship and engagement for 25 young participants. O3: To encourage 24 young participants and their local communities and foster democratic debate, initiate and join civic initiatives by the end of the project. Our objectives are directly related to Erasmus+ objectives of: The Inclusion and Diversity Strategy by contributing to: 1) Promote Erasmus+ 2) Reduce obstacles for young people with fewer opportunities to participate in the programme The Strategic framework for European Cooperation in Education and training (ET 2020) by contributing to the aim: * promoting equity, social cohesion and active citizenship EU Youth strategy 2019-2027 by: *engage: Encourage and promote inclusive democratic participation of all young people in society and democratic processes; Foster the development of citizenship competencies, through citizenship education and learning strategies; * encourage social inclusion and wellbeing of young generations *empower: encouraging youngsters to take charge of their own lives; * Connecting youngsters across the EU to promote intercultural understanding, opportunities to learn, work and volunteer abroad.