It would be an understatement to say that the war between Ukraine and Russia had a significant impact on us all. We undertook numerous projects where we partnered with individuals from both sides, and participants from both countries were involved. It was shocking to witness how this war transformed them. The effect was not confined to these two nations alone; it rippled out, touching everyone else as well. It was mind-boggling to see how many aspects it influenced. It underscored the current energy crisis and our dependence on fossil fuels, exposed the impotence of the United Nations - an institution established to maintain international peace and security - due to the veto rights of the so-called super nations, and highlighted the contrast between Europeans opening their homes and hearts to Ukrainian refugees while Afghan refugees were being sent home. The war revealed how communities once advocating peace were now urging for warfare, and how xenophobia towards Russians grew even though we knew deep down that most didn't desire war. In summary, this war brought many underlying issues to the surface that needed addressing. Our participants attempted to facilitate a dialogue about the war, but it proved unsuccessful as both sides were unwilling to listen. Rather than delving into the causes and effects of war, they began blaming each other. Regardless, our participants and those from our partners deemed it essential to initiate a project on the topic of war. That's why we organized a Youth Exchange (YE) in the form of a simulation where we analyzed and acted out the war of Troy. By examining a war that occurred eons ago and empathizing with its characters, we hoped that the participants would gain a better understanding of the current war. Through the international Youth Exchange Project "Troy," we aimed to dispel myths and stereotypes associated with one of Europe's biggest challenges today - war and the hatred it generates. With this youth exchange project, we brought together young people from different European countries. Using non-formal methodologies & gamification, visits, and thematic workshops, we created a comfortable space for them to share their experiences and daily lives. By merging diverse but closely related subjects, we hoped to inspire the participants to find creative solutions for developing their home places and give them the opportunity to share the final results of their work with other participants. We firmly believed that these creative young minds, whose opinions were often overlooked in public discourse, had much to offer. More specifically, the objectives of this Youth Exchange were: To raise awareness about the reasons and effects of war, its impact on us, and how we play a vital role in preventing it To highlight the importance of youth participation in decision-making processes To challenge and encourage creative thinking To use creativity to express their opinions and thoughts To share knowledge, experiences, strategies, tools, and ideas To promote critical thinking To learn and transfer new methods of non-formal education To increase cultural awareness, foster intercultural dialogue, and mutual understanding Our youngsters and we put a great deal of thought into where this YE should take place. One of the criteria was that the location should fit the theme, so we ultimately chose Aegina in Greece. Given that the exchange was about ancient Greek civilizations, hosting the mobility there made sense.In reflecting on the breadth of our work, it's clear that the "Troy" project stands out as one of our most impactful and successful endeavors to date. The profound influence it had on the participants was both evident and immensely gratifying. This venture transcended the boundaries of a typical project, leaving an indelible mark on those involved. The powerful testimonials of the participants, encapsulated in the attached videos and reviews, bear testament to the transformative journey they embarked upon. Their words, brimming with newfound insights, understanding, and empathy, are a testament to the project's success. As we look back on this extraordinary project, we can't help but feel a sense of profound accomplishment. The ripple effect of this initiative is reflected in the personal growth and change in perspectives among the participants, thereby reaffirming our belief in the power of such intercultural exchanges. We've diligently documented the project's impact and learning outcomes in the final report, which also includes the attached videos and participant reviews. These serve as tangible evidence of the project's success and its far-reaching impact, providing a comprehensive view of the participants' transformative journey through the "Troy" project.