The project linked to the objectives of the Erasmus+ programme in that it aimed to provide high quality, inclusive non-formal learning and training opportunities for young people in planning and implementation of the Youth exchange. In addition to the informal and non-formal learning, the project aimed to ultimately equip participants with social and civic skills and competences needed for their meaningful participation in democratic society, intercultural understanding and successful perforce through cultural expression. Both partners strove to build a sustainable project and widen participatory opportunities for youth through the development of this collaboration. The Hic et Nunc Youth Exchange encompassed several of the European Youth Goals: #1 Connecting EU with Youth by fostering the sense of youth belonging to a wider European community with similar experiences, eg catholicism, nationalism, LGBTQ+, neurodiversity and rural isolation to build a bridge between Irish and Finnish young people to establish trust and increase participation through project activities that are fun, expressive and focussed. #2 Equality of All Genders. One of the primary issues for the local Rebel Youth Creatives when planning this Youth Exchange was their concern that LGBTQ+ young people would be safe and respected on this youth exchange. Hic et Nunc wanted to achieve equal participation of all genders and include gender sensitive approaches in all aspects of the Youth Exchange. #3 Inclusive Societies. Hic Et Nunc Youth Exchange identified that Loimaa Theatre and Cork LCYP were working to enable and ensure the inclusion of all young people in society. The Youth Exchange embedded Principles of a Safer Space and risk assessments for diversity to ensure equality of all genders, ethnic backgrounds, and supported young people from the LGBTQ+ and Autistic community to participate. The RYC youth forum flagged, "VIP: MODERN IRELAND - publicity, inclusion and diversity flag LGBTI+ friendly all ethnically inclusive, inter-cultural event all marketing and branding - put it into the application!" for their Erasmus+ applications. The Young people leading the project hoped it would demonstrate the benefits of exploring the role young people have in their local community. #8 Quality Learning. The Youth Exchange aimed emphasise the importance of non-formal learning methodologies especially creative learning through a drama and theatre medium. In this way the project linked to the objectives of Quality Learning by integrating and improving creative forms of learning, eg. audio and visual experience in the form of live music, dancing, photography, graffiti, movement, painting, 3D art, stencilling, body as a narrator, fabrics, non verbal performativity, percussion, music, social media management, etc which equipped young people for the challenges of an ever-changing life in the 21st century and most importantly taking a focus away from the pressures of a formal education (that both the Finnish and Irish young people identified) and celebrating the non-formal skills of the young people, like team building, creativity and entrepreneurship that The Happening showcased. The young people needed a safe space in which they could explore transferable skills, youth-led learning and non-formal education. To achieve a truly equal and universal access to quality learning the project taught to have all young people access adequately funded non-formal education at all levels, that was recognised and validated through Youthpass. Hic Et Nunc youth exchange workshops incorporated non-formal learning methodologies, games and activities to enable the learner to develop personal skills including critical and analytical thinking, creativity and learning.