The project was designed as a response to the needs of young people without parental care, who represent a multiple vulnerable group facing numerous barriers in the process of becoming independent. Young people without parental care, i.e. those growing up in the alternative care system, specifically in residential institutions or foster families, are entitled to accommodation until the age of 18, or up to 26 if they continue their education. After leaving the social welfare system, these young people face a sudden transition to independent living, often without sufficiently developed practical, social, and organisational skills necessary for everyday functioning. At the same time, their participation in international mobility programmes is limited due to a lack of support, information, self-confidence, and experience. Starting from this context, the project aimed to support young people through the experience of international travel and non-formal learning in developing key life skills, strengthening their independence, and increasing their participation in youth programmes at European level. The specific objectives of the project were: • strengthening independence through direct experience of travel and staying in an international environment; • development of practical life skills (planning, organisation, budgeting, decision-making, and everyday functioning); • improvement of social and communication skills, including navigating new environments and using foreign languages; • development of interest in non-formal learning and active participation in EU youth programmes, particularly through the DiscoverEU initiative; • strengthening self-confidence, sense of belonging, and openness towards other cultures; • development of basic culinary skills as an important competence for independent living. The project also aimed to provide young people with a safe and supportive environment in which they could take an active role, step out of their comfort zone, and develop through direct experience competencies that are essential for their further personal and professional development.