The project “Uniting Social Engagement and Civic Responsibility” was implemented in Manerba del Garda, Italy, from 20 to 28th of May, 2025 and gathered participants from five countries. With this youth exchange, we wanted to respond to real issues all partner organizations observed in our youth work: disconnection of young people from their communities, less engagement in civic processes and unsure of their role in society. By creating this project, we wanted to address this gap, to offer a space where young people could reconnect with society, analyze their value as active citizens and gain the confidence to influence social change. Rather than focusing only on theoretical knowledge, we wanted participants to experience social engagement as something practical and achievable in their everyday lives. We aimed to strengthen young people’s sense of responsibility and belonging toward their communities. Today many youngsters feel that social and political systems are distant, which often leads to their passivity or less engagement. Through this project, we wanted to motivate them by showing that civic responsibility starts with small actions and personal attitudes. By using non-formal education methods, we aimed to encourage active participation, open dialogue, and critical reflection, allowing participants to explore social issues in a safe and inclusive environment. One of our main goals was to develop young people’s awareness of social inequalities, human rights, dicrimination, environmental sustainability and to help them understand how these issues are connected to everyday life. We wanted participants not only to engage in discussions but also to reflect on the root causes of social exclusion, the role of individual responsibility and the importance of solidarity. Through cooperation with peers from different countries, we aimed to encourage participants to exchange perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and learn from diverse realities. This intercultural opportunity was essential for them to develop empathy, communication skills and a broader understanding of citizenship beyond national borders. The objectives of the project: - Increase awareness of the importance of social engagement and the negative impacts of social isolation. - Encourage understanding and recognition of human rights, emphasizing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. - Promote individual responsibility towards social change in communities. - Highlight the adverse effects of social media overuse on personal development. - Showcase beneficial social practices and events for youth. - Provide opportunities for young people to develop social and soft skills for active citizenship. - Inform about Erasmus+ opportunities for further engagement. The project was created to support young people in reconnecting society, strengthening their civic awareness, raising motivation and inspiring long-term engagement. Every activity was designed the way that focused not only on gaining awareness during the exchange, but also on helping young individuals to see themselves as active contributors after returning home.