Since 1950, the European Convention on Human Rights has been a cornerstone of European society that has endeavoured to protect European citizens from discrimination and inequality based on race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. However, despite this legislation being in place for over 65 years, numerous examples of discrimination remain evident in the everyday life of millions of European citizens. Therefore we saw a need of continue working on the theme of inclusion and we developed the project "Bridging Diversity, Growing Together". In this project we will concentrate especially on inclusion regarding ethnicity, religion, disabilities/special abilities, sexual orientation and gender.The aim of "Bridging Diversity, Growing Together" is that European rural youth become more aware of diversity among citizens and develop competences to act inclusively.The objectives of the projects are that rural youth:- share realities about their home communities around Europe, their structure, common employment fields, culture, language and living environment,- get aware about diverse ethnic and religious groups, gender and sexual orientation minorities and individuals with disabilities,- learn about these groups´ special needs and legislative framework throughout Europe,- share best practise in relation to social inclusion and equity within their own organisations and communities, and- increase capacity of their own organisation to offer inclusive activities.Within the project there are two activities planned. These are the advanced planning visit for the youth exchange (A1) and the actual youth exchange (A2). Both activities will be held at Greenmount Agricultural College in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The partner organisations involved are from rural areas in the following countries: Northern Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Slovenia, Austria, Latvia, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Hungary and Greece. To A1 each partner organisation will send one person and to A2 four participants and one group leader to the youth exchange. As such, the proposed project will involve 70 Erasmus+ supported participants. We will invite also Swiss participants and they will apply for funding nationally. Our target group is rural youth in age 18-25, and we welcome participants regardless ethnical and religious background, sexual orientation or special needs. Therefore we expect to have 5 accompanying persons for participants with special needs.Throughout the youth exchange, participants will work in pairs or differently sized, internationally mixed groups. The methods used within the delivery of the session will be interactive and based on non-formal education, for example:- Dynamic ice-breakers, team-building and energisers to break down individual personal barriers- Short theoretical input from local experts- Group research, discussion and debates- Role play and simulations- Study visits to local companies based on the study theme- Meeting local people, entrepreneurs and politicians- Living a day and night with a local host family to explore local culture and work life- Personal and group evaluation- Space for the participants to introduce programme that they facilitate themselves- Multicultural evening programmeThe impact on the participants is expected to be the following:- improved understanding and awareness of discrimination and what it causes throughout Europe,- wider intercultural awareness,- improved understanding of an common European community,- extended network of rural youth from many European countries,-higher motivation to become more active citizens within their own local community,- improved self awareness and self esteem since the project will challenge youth to overcome personal barriers,- improved understanding of the importance of self reflection and evaluation, and- improved teamwork, leadership, communication and linguistic skills.The impact on the participating organisations are expected to be the following:- Five of their members will develop an enhanced range of skills and teaching techniques that they can utilise within their own organisation- Participants will be able to bring the knowledge that they have gained within this project back to their own organisation to ensure that they are being as inclusive as possible within their local community- Group leaders will gain experience in project management and facilitation which can be utilised for future events within their own organisations- The partner organisations are expected to forge stronger working relationships enabling them to develop further educational projects at a European level- Improved communication between the partner organisations is expected to promote a greater awareness of the issues facing young people throughout Europe and projects that are being undertaken to address them