NAYD aims to run a training course called “Making Connections” in partnership with NAYT (UK), Di Grease's Buffoon Theatre (Belarus) and The State Youth Drama Theatre "In Rose Street" (Moldova). The training course would last 4 days, take place in Dublin and include 7 participants from Ireland, 8 participants from the Eastern Partnership Countries and 5 participants from other European countries. The Making Connections training course would aim to develop the capacity of youth theatre leaders to engage in exchanges, striving to:• Explore the diversity of practice within youth theatres in Europe and the Eastern Partnership Countries • Explore the idea of youth theatre exchanges and practical challenges such as funding, child protection and planning• Build theatre skills and a knowledge base that will help leaders create quality youth theatre exchanges• Build relationships between youth theatre leaders in the participating countries• Share best practice in the sphere of youth theatreThe Making Connections course would promote the sharing of best practices in the sphere of youth theatre, a specialist form of youth work. Participants and partners will explore their approach to working with young people through drama, their theatre practice, programming, and their approach to welfare and child protection. The training course would contribute to developing the quality of support systems for youth activities by building relationships, skills, expertise and understanding amongst leaders working in youth theatres across Europe and the Eastern Partnership Countries. Cooperation within the European youth field would also be promoted through the participation of partners and participants in the development and realisation of these activities. The objectives of the training course would be achieved through drama activities as well as a number of other participative working methods.