21st Century Girls - Skills for the Future is an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange bringing together a group of young people from rural area of Castlecomer in Co. Kilkenny and young people from the rural Comarca del Matarraña region in Spain. The project responds to the social, geographic, digital & educational barriers faced by young people in rural and disadvantaged communities by creating a safe empowering space focused on leadership, wellbeing, cultural activities, and intercultural learning. This project is rooted in non-formal education and youth led participation, using Foróige’s Accredited Leadership for Life programme to support confidence, resilience, teamwork, and active citizenship. During the the project young people will complete Foróige Leadership for Life Module 1 & Module 2 and beyond the exchange, participants will have an opportunity to complete a community action project in their own areas (Module 3), applying their leadership skills to real time and issues the young people face prolonging the outcomes of the programme beyond its life cycle. On completion of all 3 leadership for life modules participants can receive a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action. This qualification is awarded with The University of Galway and Queens University Belfast. The certificate is accredited at level 6 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. Graduates receive the equivalent of 15 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer System). Young people are involved in all stages of the project, from planning and preparation through to delivery, reflection, and dissemination. Blended and digital tools, including online meetings & activities will be used to support young people to build relationships before the exchange, support learning during the project, and maintain connections after the project has ended. The project places an emphasis on inclusion, ensuring that young people with fewer opportunities due to rural isolation, socio-economic disadvantage, or additional support needs can participate fully. Safeguarding and wellbeing are prioritised, and supports will be provided throughout this project by experienced youth workers. The learning and impact of the project will be shared through a youth led documentary at a local, regional and national level. The project will support skills development, peer to peer learning, personal growth & empowerment ensuring lasting benefits for young people, their communities, and youth services locally, nationally, and at European level.