With this Youth Exchange, we aim to support young people aged 15 to 18 in developing emotional, relational and civic competences that are essential for their wellbeing and active participation in society — especially in a historical moment marked by global tensions, armed conflicts, social polarization and ecological crisis. In today’s unstable geopolitical context — defined by wars, cultural walls, divisive narratives and loss of trust in institutions — offering young people spaces of dialogue, mutual listening and real connection is not only an educational act, but also a deeply political one. Direct interaction between peers from different countries becomes a powerful opportunity to deconstruct stereotypes, recognise each other’s humanity, explore differences as resources, and build bridges instead of barriers. This project is a natural continuation of our previous Erasmus+ Youth Exchange “Borders to Bond, Borders to Divide”. That experience explored the notion of borders — external and internal — and how they shape identities and relationships. Participants realised that once borders are recognised and deconstructed, the next step is to develop concrete practices to build healthier relationships with themselves, others and their communities. With the new exchange we respond to this need: moving from awareness of borders to cultivating peace and kindness as everyday practices. If the first project raised consciousness of division and connection, this one focuses on skills and embodied experiences that empower young people to become weavers of community and carriers of nonviolent culture. Through non-formal education and the Gaia Project methodology — recognised by UNESCO and the Italian Ministry of Labour — the exchange will foster self-awareness, emotional regulation and interpersonal skills. Participants will practice simple body-based and mindfulness exercises, helping them to manage stress, connect with emotions and gain clarity about what they live, feel and think. This is particularly relevant for teenagers, who often navigate a fast-paced and uncertain environment. We also aim to promote empathy, active listening and nonviolent communication. Through games, storytelling, group dialogue and circle time, participants will learn to communicate respectfully, manage disagreements constructively and listen with openness. These competences are essential both for creating a trusting group atmosphere and for transforming conflicts in everyday life. Another key objective is to reinforce a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. The project will provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment where each participant feels seen, heard and valued. Experiencing a group dynamic based on care, respect and mutual trust is, in itself, a transformative learning process. The exchange will also encourage reflection on the link between personal wellbeing and collective responsibility. Participants will explore how emotions shape our approach to conflict, how small daily gestures can contribute to peace, and how our way of inhabiting the world has ethical, social and ecological consequences. In a time when competition and the dehumanisation of “the other” dominate much of the public discourse, this project proposes kindness and presence as radical acts. We want participants to recognise the transformative value of care, slowness and connection — and to feel empowered to bring these values into their communities. A further objective is to empower participants as multipliers of the practices developed during the exchange. They will co-create a Kindness Kit — a simple, replicable educational tool with exercises, reflections and ideas to share with peers, youth workers, schools and local communities. Each national group will also design and implement a small follow-up activity after the exchange, ensuring continuity and transferability of results. From a youth work perspective, the project promotes a holistic and inclusive approach, where learning is rooted in the body, emotions, dialogue and creativity. Facilitation will be participatory and co-constructed: it will avoid frontal teaching, value autonomy and prioritise emotional safety. We want every young person to feel free to express themselves, participate, make mistakes and grow in a climate of mutual trust. The project contributes directly to the European Youth Work Agenda and to several EU Youth Goals, in particular: – Goal 5: Mental Health and Wellbeing – Goal 9: Space and Participation for All – Goal 10: Sustainable Green Europe It also aligns with the transversal priorities of the Erasmus+ programme: inclusion and diversity, environmental sustainability, and digital participation.