Context and Needs ?Game of Challenges? resulted from our continuous concern and questioning about the future of Europe. In order for Europeans to overcome the current crisis united, there is a series of conceptual, institutional, social and educational issues that need to be addressed first at the level of attitudes and then at the level of structures and institutions. The training course focused on mutual understanding and lifting stereotypes, raising awareness about available channels of action in the EU and fostering dialogue on quality learning. These needs were approached through challenging certainties on 3 basic issues which are interconnected and central for Europe?s current predicament: Crisis, Community & Education. Objectives The main objectives of Game of Challenges were to: - Cultivate participants? ability to confront and utilize conditions of crisis at all levels; - Strengthen the European sense of belonging of participants and the local community; - Promote social participation as an entertaining and fruitful activity and mobilize local youths; - Combine formal and non-formal education in the quest for high quality learning. Number and profile of participants GoC was a project for youth workers, youth leaders, trainers, and youngsters aiming to work in the field of youth. The main actions foreseen were a Training Course and an Organizations' Expo that was organized by IA and integrated in the program of the Training. The TC was organized in Epirus, in the remote village Skoulikaria (200 citizens). It lasted 8 days and involved 30 participants from 4 EU countries (Greeece, Italy, Sweden, Estonia) who represented youth organizations and local authorities. Activities & Methods The time was divided among four trainers each of whom has a different style, thus, rendering the working methodologies diverse. Specifically, with regards to non-formal learning activities GoC fostered: - Experiential learning activities - Group learning and peer learning - Personal development - Theater of the oppressed (image theater & forum theater) as an exercise of crisis management - Simulation game on the processes of community development and decision making - Council of Stories - Organizations? Expo - Drafting and implementation of projects in the city of Arta on the occasion of Europe Day. - Work with elementary school and kindergarten students. - Moving Debate. As for informal learning, the training included: - Daily ?family? councils of 4-5 people that evaluated the activities of the day and suggested improvements - Activities with local people (dance festival, intercultural dinner, public presentations and discussions) - Educational excursion to the neighbouring city of Arta. Results & Impact Among the direct results was the opportunity to meet new partners and demonstrate our work to each other during the organizations' expo. It brought together all partner organizations and other local groups, local authorities and organizations from the region. An active exchange of experiences took place, which paved the ground for a longer effect in terms of concrete cooperation plans for the future. The GoC had a strong impact on participants and the local community alike. The activities repeatedly challenged the former to reconsider their certainties as individuals, community members, learners and educators. This process cultivated understanding and widened their perceptions on the topics. The project particularly focused on social and civic competences, learning to learn, sense of initiative / entrepreneurship and cultural awareness and expression. In those areas, participants acquired competences such as new knowledge and transversal skills while certain attitudes related to sustainable collective action ? as empathy, respect, patience - were promoted. As for the local community, they had a unique opportunity to meet and interact with an international crowd. The project improved their psychology and eagerness to contribute and participate. Younger individuals had a chance to familiarize with opportunities coming from the youth programs of the EC such as Erasmus+. Besides, the visibility of the EU was increased while problematization on the future challenges and prospects of the EU was fostered through participants? activities with the local audience in Arta and Skoulikaria. As for long term benefits, the new knowledge and ideas introduced in the TC are expected to be reflected in the new activities organized by participants, their work in their sending organizations as well as in their life and role in their home community. The long term impact of the TC on the locals will be even stronger. Their stereotypes for ?foreigners? are now to a large degree lifted after having shared diverse experiences with them. In a period when excluded individuals are easily mobilized by populism, the project constituted an injection of trust in a common European future for the communities of Arta and Skoulikaria.