The EVS project "Projeto ACTIVO" involved two volunteers from Ukraine and two volunteers from Italy and is the result of a successful partnership between three NGOs: Teatro Metaphora - Associação de Amigos das Artes (Portugal), Center for European Initiatives (Ukraine) and Scambieuropei (Italy). Project activities took place in Câmara de Lobos over the period of 12 months ( between 26 August 2015 - 14 July 2016, 9 months each volunteer). By inviting European volunteers to work with the local youth in Câmara de Lobos, we developed solidarity and cross border relationships between Madeiran youth and their far European neighbours. Together we continue to strengthen the way to a larger and more encompassing European Union. The volunteers developed the several activities that were originally set: theatre, art, music, film, creativity, handcraft but also discussions trough movie sessions, ecological projects among others. Our aims towards creating a self-sustainable community of young people in a cultural and creative oriented environment where people interact with each other, share ideas and opinions, learn from each other and develop their own creative projects were fully achieved. Furthermore, the project addressed cultural differences by intercultural communications. The participation of European volunteers was essential in the project as their presence supported conversations and encouraged discussions creating a mix of opinions from different cultural backgrounds. Secondly, participating and leading workshops involving local school youth promoted European values, active citizenship, civic responsibility, community service, teaching leadership skills to youth and providing them with knowledge about EU, what it means to be European citizen; promotion of cultural diversity and breaking stereotypes about the home country of the volunteer in the local community; promotion of voluntary service among local youth; strengthening the role of Teatro Metaphora in the local community development.