In recent years, young people across Europe have become increasingly surrounded by digital technologies. While they use digital tools daily, research consistently shows that many young people remain passive consumers rather than active creators of digital content, and often lack opportunities to critically understand technologies. According to the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) (https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/desi), several partner countries involved in this project – including Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Lithuania and Spain – remain below or close to the EU average in basic digital skills. At the same time, international studies indicate a clear gap between young people’s frequent use of digital tools and their ability to apply these tools creatively, critically, and collaboratively in meaningful learning or civic contexts. This project is based on the identified need of youth organisations to strengthen young people’s active participation in the digital society, not by introducing technology for its own sake, but by using digital tools as a means for learning, expression, inclusion, and cooperation. Augmented Reality (AR) is chosen not as a specialised professional field, but as an accessible and engaging educational method that allows young people to explore how digital layers can enrich real-life experiences, storytelling, learning environments, and community initiatives. AR emerges as a powerful innovation that combines digital knowledge with practical application. Scientific evidence strongly supports the potential of AR in education. Research shows that AR-based learning environments significantly improve motivation, engagement, and overall performance compared to traditional methods (https://tinyurl.com/yz4r722j). Other studies confirm that AR enhances problem-solving and long-term knowledge outcome, making abstract concepts more tangible and accessible (https://www.mdpi.com/2078-2489/16/5/372). The needs addressed are not only theoretical. They are also based on direct observations, feedback and discussions with young people. We (Neribota ateitis) during technological workshops and educational sessions on 3D printing and robotics repeatedly heard young participants express strong interest in other emerging technologies, particularly Augmented Reality (AR). Young people described AR as a technology they find inspiring and full of potential, especially for creativity, teamwork and interactive learning. Most of participants shared that they are confident users of social media, mobile applications and basic digital tools, yet feel uncertain when asked to create something original, understand how digital tools work or apply them in learning contexts. This confirms a pattern observed: young people are digitally present, but often remain passive users rather than active creators. Several young participants who had encountered AR in professional or exhibition settings highlighted that they see AR as a tool that could support teamwork and collaboration, stimulate creativity and problem-solving, make learning more engaging and interactive. Partner organisations involved identified complementary and concrete needs from their daily work with young people. Fundacja Nexus (Poland), led by Monika Leśniak, an experienced educator working with young people in both formal and non-formal learning settings. Through daily pedagogical practice and based on insights of her scholars and youngsters, they observed, that integration of AR tools are likely to increase learning engagement, support experiential and visual learning, complement non-formal education processes. NEXUS organisation itself currently lacks opportunities to experiment with AR in youth work contexts. Building Bridges (Spain) focuses on engaging young people through innovative approaches and “building bridges” between youth, learning opportunities and communities. For them AR represents an additional “bridge” – method that speaks language of young people and can help reach participants who are less responsive to traditional workshop formats. Partners identified a need to expand its methodological toolbox with interactive digital approaches that strengthen participation and motivation. Fundatia Iubire si Credinta (Romania) works with young people coming from disadvantaged environments. Their youngsters have heard about AR technologies but do not feel confident enough to experiment with them, lack access to equipment, guidance or supportive learning environments, perceive advanced technologies as “not for them”. This creates an additional barrier, reinforcing digital exclusion. By summarising these observations and clearly identified needs of both young people and partner organisations, we decided to organise an Erasmus+ youth exchange focused on the practical and educational use AR, which will gather 40 young participants in Kaunas, Lithuania from 16th till 25th of November, 2026.