Our association is a rural development organization, whose activities have been expanded by Erasmus+ funding. As a result of long-term work, we have been implementing Erasmus+ youth exchanges for young people under the age of 18. The goal of our project was to bring together young people living in rural areas of different countries, given the chance for internationalization and to improve their lifelong learning skills. Getting to know different cultures, differences and similarities brings a new perspective on youngsters life. At its best, participating in a youth exchange raises young people, for example, in terms of language skills, social skills, intercultural understanding and tolerance. Many participants travel alone for the first time, without parents, which affects the development of young people's civic skills and prepares and encourages them on their path to independence. Exchanges often open eyes to the good qualities of their home country and their own home region, and this is also one of the driving forces behind our work. Southern Ostrobothnia is, by many measures, one of the least internationalized regions in Finland. We are proud that we can positively influence the development of our own region from an international perspective by implementing Erasmus+ activities here. The worrying situation in the world, the recovery from the pandemic, unemployment, and especially the mental health and well-being issues of young people that have been on the agenda make our activities meaningful. Young people living in remote areas are one of the groups that have been truly affected by the events and trials of recent years. Young people who have not previously participated in Erasmus+ youth exchanges through our association were selected as project participants. Therefore, we offer the opportunity for internationalization to as many young people in our LAG's area/four municipalities as possible. Our project focuses on young people's participation, encouragement and positive experiences of belonging and themselves. Young people are allowed to influence the themes of each exchange and the program components to be implemented. Responsibility for implementing the program components is given equally to everyone, taking into account the personal strengths and skills of each participant. The planning and implementation process is long and often requires young people to show a new kind of commitment and responsibility, also preparing them for the future. In the youth exchanges carried out with 2023 funding, we focused particularly on well-being and themes and activities that bring peace of mind. One of the themes was the climate anxiety experienced by young people and how we can influence the state of the world with small actions. We studied the issue, for example, by examining ecological choices, learning about recycling education in different countries and the importance of maintaining biodiversity. We also learned about the opportunities offered by nature from the perspective of hobbies and as an element that brings peace of mind. One of the themes we also discussed was the opportunities for young people to influence their own communities. A large part of the young people who participated were involved in various youth advocacy groups in their home countries, and the young people themselves wanted to address this theme internationally as well. The young people, among other things, prepared presentations on the topic and considered different ways to influence society's decision-making together. An essential part of our association's accreditation strategy is finding and involving new partnerships. In the project, we got a new LAG Leader Kärki ry from Southern Karelia to join our Erasmus+ activities. In addition, we worked persistently to find new foreign partnerships. Contacts, meetings and participation in various Erasmus+ events have led to new partnerships for the implementation of the 2024 project. From the funding granted for 2023, we made one preparatory visit to Pontremoli, Italy, to the premises of an organization called MAEK APS. However, as a result of the preparatory visit, we decided not to implement an exchange for minors to the location in question. We also arranged a meeting in Finland with the new partnership found from Portugal, Aventura Marao Clube, where an exchange will also be made from the 2024 funding.