There was a need of getting CONNECTED, especially nowadays when human relations have been hardly hit by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. This resulted particularly true for young adults (18-25 years) who were deeply affected by less opportunities to socialise. Youths themselves recognised that relations and exchange of experience are vital for them and play a pivotal role for the passage to adulthood. Thus a 5 day activity programme was brought up targeting the following 3 main themes: - Culture and traditions - Environment and the fight against climate change - Youth Engagement through EU mobility programmes and development of Key Competences One of our aims was to connect young people fostering intercultural dialogue, to get to know other youths and learn from each other through culture, cuisine and traditions. Seeing as our project has the theme of intercultural appreciation, we felt it was best to have several partners, in order to be able to learn about multiple cultures and traditions. Having several partners also allowed us to work on inclusion and diversity, fostering understanding, tolerance and non-discrimination. This lead to a better understanding of a European Union, which is united in diversity. At the same time we we addressed the theme of environment and the fight against climate change. First of all, we incorporated green practices in our project, as banning single use plastic, recycling of waste during activities, using as much as possible green means of transport for our planned activities. The youths were asked to reflect on what we are doing to save the environment during the activities and this was the starting point for an informal learning session on climate change. The municipality of Bela Palanka, that hosted the project's activities, had a special role in the field of environmental protection. Representatives of the municipality presented some of their implemented projects in this area, starting from risk management and climate change, to preserving the ecosystem in the rural area of the municipality. We also visited the Regional Landfill in Pirot (Muntina padina). The visit served as a practical demonstration on how domestic waste is managed. Nontheless it gave the opportunity for a reflection on how domestic waste can be reduced. During the planned activities we also discussed the different opportunities of mobility that are offered to young people by the Erasmus+ Programme and, through informal learning sessions, we transfered some project planning and project writing skills to the participants, inviting them to plan a new Youth Exchange project. We would really like this project to serve as a catalyst for EMPOWERMENT of young people with the ultimate aim of encouraging them to take charge of their own lives. Learning outcomes: - Enhanced intercultural skills, understanding and respect for cultural diversity - Development of new and flexible skills for future job opportunities - Better understanding of the European Union, its institution and funding programmes - Increased awareness on climate change and ways of fighting it through active engagement The project supported our youths through support, through lifelong learning, the educational, professional and personal development of people in education, training, youth and sport, in Europe and beyond, thereby contributing to sustainable growth, quality jobs and social cohesion, to driving innovation, and to strengthening European identity and active citizenship