Context/backgroundOver the last years the unemployment rate among young people in Europe has reached an alarmingly high level. At the same time, there are many youngsters out there with highly valuable creative skills. However, 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. ObjectivesThe objective of this project is to address and combat youth unemployment, by stimulating youngsters to use their creativity to move forward in their professional lives. We want to reach this by bringing together a group of young people from different countries with an interest in drawing and/or other forms of creativity (for example graphic design), and make them learn from each other how they can use these skills to stimulate (self-)employment. 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.ParticipantsWe would like to host 6 participants (age 18-30) and one group leader (no age limit) from each partner country. In total there will be 24 participants, 4 group leaders and two staff members from MaCro. For this exchange we would like to bring together participants that have an interest in arts and drawing or other forms of creative expression. This project especially targets unemployed youngsters or young people who are dealing with difficulties finding a job within their field. The working language will be English, therefore at least a basic level in English is necessary. The participants should be open to explore the problem of youth unemployment and be involved in all the steps until the final presentation of their final results.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 impactThe end result of the project will be an online publication (free to the participants to choose a format) drawn, designed and written by the participants .This publication contains results of the activities (workshops, exercises, debates, research, creative tasks and outdoor activities, etc.) and graphic presentation from each of the participants. 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.