Context/backgroundUnemployment among young people is a growing problem in Europe. There are many youngsters out there with highly valuable creative skills, but often it is not clear for them how to put these skills to use and turn their ideas into realities. In this youth exchange we want youngsters to get more insights in the value their abilities and talents. ObjectivesThis project aims to address youth unemployment, by encouraging youth to use their creativity to move forward in their professional lives. We want to reach this goal by bringing together youngsters who are interested in drawing, writing or other forms of creativity (e.g. graphic design) from different countries and make them learn from each other how they can use these skills for stimulating (self-)employment (for example as freelance illustrators).The activities of the project aim to contribute to the professional competences and skills of the participants, to increase their self-confidence and employability. We want participants to gain skills and ideas on how to promote their creativity and to help others dealing with unemployment by using non-formal educational methods. Also, the exchange of practices and experiences from different countries and cultures will give the participants new ideas for employment possibilities and broaden their awareness of their professional options. An important objective of the project is also to share the outcomes with a broader public, to maximize the impact and make as many people as possible benefit from the results. ParticipantsFor the youth exchange, we would like to host 5 participants (age 18-30) and one group leader (no age limit) from each partner country. In total there will be 25 participants, 5 group leaders. For this exchange we would like to bring together participants that are interested in creative expression (drawing, writing, graphic design). This project especially targets unemployed youngsters or young people who are dealing with difficulties finding a job within their field. The youth exchange will be followed by a follow-up meeting, to which each partner will send two participants.MethodologyThe activities in the programme of the project are based on non-formal learning and working methods that allow the participants to learn from direct experience as well as from each other’s experience and knowledge. The applied methods will consist of workshops, exercises, presentations by the participants, debates, research, creative assignments and outdoor activities. The methodological approach is based on the elements of non-formal education: bringing together skills, knowledge and attitudes; interactive learning; communication and mutual understanding (keeping an open mind); learning by doing; group learning (using the group as a resource) and personal contributions. Results and impactFirst of all, the results of the project which are drawn, designed and written by the participants will be presented by the participants locally in Prijepolje. Before the follow-up meeting, an online publication will be created containing the results of the project .This publication contains results of the activities (workshops, exercises, debates, research and the creative task - the graphic novel). During the follow-up meeting, the project results will be presented in The Hague. The activities planned in this project will bring positive effects for participants themselves, and also will benefit partner organizations and groups of interest. For the participants the impact consists of a better understanding on youth unemployment in a European context; insights in how to use creativity as way to combat youth unemployment; inspiration for their future career paths; an extra document for their portfolio that show their skills and ability of working in an inter-cultural team and improved interpersonal and communication skills. For the partner organisations the project increases their scope and visibility, since the end result of the project can be easily spread by the participants and therefore reach a wider public. In a broader scope, this project targets unemployed youngsters or young people who are dealing with difficulties finding a job within their field. For them the project can have an impact, as the online publication with tips and examples might be helpful and inspirational for their professional lives.Long term benefitsOn the long run the participants will benefit from the new outlooks the project can offer on employment and the international experience that brings new contacts and friendships across Europe. Other youngster might also benefit from the tips, knowledge and inspiration collected and spread after the activities of the project. Finally, for the partner organisations the cooperation broadens and strengthens their international partner network and experience working in European youth work, which can lead to new fruitful projects in the future.