Growing up isn’t always easy. Young people today face a lot of pressure—from school, social media, and even their friends. Many feel stressed, judged, or unsure about who they really are. Sometimes, it’s hard to express yourself, to know what you’re good at, or to feel like you truly belong. That’s why we want to create "Roots & Wings – Know Yourself, Grow Together"—a youth exchange where young people from Latvia, Finland, Slovenia, Poland, and Spain can meet, learn, and grow together. ROOTS represent where we come from—our traditions, cultures, values, and the people who support us. Knowing and appreciating our roots makes us feel stronger, more connected, and proud of who we are. WINGS help us explore, try new things, discover our talents, and express ourselves freely. They allow us to step outside our comfort zone, build confidence, and believe in ourselves. Aim: The youth exchange "Roots & Wings – Know Yourself, Grow Together" aims to empower young people (aged 13-17) by fostering self-awareness, self-expression, and confidence through creative activities, cultural exchange, and outdoor experiences. Objectives: - Boost self-awareness and self-expression – help young people recognize their strengths, talents, and identity while providing a space to explore different forms of creativity. - Promote mental well-being and resilience – create a space where young people can openly share their experiences, discuss the stresses and pressures they face in different areas of life, and explore ways to feel stronger, more balanced, and confident in themselves. - Promote a less competitive mindset – improve teamwork, shift the focus from comparison and pressure to self-appreciation, individual growth, and mutual support. - Encourage appreciation of cultural roots and diversity – engage participants in sharing traditions they find meaningful in today’s globalized world while also discovering and valuing other cultures and our shared European roots. - Foster a sense of belonging and inclusion – address issues like peer pressure, judgment, and exclusion by creating an environment of respect, mutual support, and meaningful connections. - Take responsibility and share experiences – empower participants to organize activities for their peers, build confidence and leadership skills, and actively share their experiences after the exchange to inspire others. This project aligns with the regular work and priorities of our organizations, which focus on empowering young people, promoting inclusion, and supporting mental well-being. Many of our organizations work with young people from rural areas or those facing social and economic obstacles, and this exchange provides them with a valuable opportunity to develop social skills, gain confidence, and connect with peers across Europe. The project also strengthens the use of non-formal education methods, such as outdoor learning and creative activities, which are central to the way we engage young people in our communities. By addressing challenges like peer pressure, self-expression, and cooperation, the exchange directly responds to the needs identified in our youth work, helping participants feel more confident, supported, and ready to take an active role in their social environments