Removing Barriers through Formation and Animation was a project that ran for one year, with the aim of breaking down barriers to promote an inclusive society. This was done in 5 phases: preparation, formation, consolidation, implementation, and evaluation.The first phase, included finalizing the eight formation sessions, finding locations and contacting and confirming experts to help run the sessions. Selecting participants was done by issuing application forms and all applicants who applied were accepted. The second phase, were the eight formation sessions, each divided into two sections. One part involved the learning of a skill regarding animation, such as face painting, juggling and magic; and the other section an element of formation regarding acceptance, tolerance and inclusion relevant to today’s society. These were conducted using non-formal methods and a hands-on approach.The residential weekend, took place at Marsaxlokk Youth Activity Centre, and included two circus artists who were contacted and flown over from Germany to lead this weekend. The weekend involved a number of workshops led by the artists to set the momentum for the final event that was planned for December. These were also backed up by aspects of personal and social development. A ‘trial run’ in Marsaxlokk Waterfront by the whole group was a great success and motivator for the final event.The few weeks building up to the final event in Valletta, involved the group getting organized into subgroups and inviting more participants to join for what was now to be called the EveryBuddy Matters event. These sub-groups worked on: visual arts, a kids area, dance, logistics, and street arts.The final event, which took place on the 14th, 15th and 16th December, was the climax of the project. It implemented, all that had been learnt regarding skills and formation. The visual arts promoted inclusion to the public through boards with quotes and paintings at the main entrance of Valletta; the street arts group portrayed inclusion through animation and street shows; the kids area used storytelling and face-painting as a means to tackle inclusion and equal rights; the dance group focused on performances that celebrated difference, and also included participation by the Deaf People Association. Four ‘Buddies’ each with different characteristics were also created as mascots for the event.Evaluation was done midway through the project online, and after the final event with all participants in the format of a session. The project leaders also met on a regular basis to evaluate each activity within the project.The Everybuddy Matters project proved to be a success, and the group is currently continuing to meet and plan more work for the future.***Please, indicate and explain the reasons for eventual changes between your initial application and the activities finally implemented, e.g. composition of partner promoters and/or participants, duration of the Activity, Activity programme.In order for the project to have a more visible and appealing name, the team together decided to use “EveryBuddy Matters” as the main motto of the project, and with this a logo was also created. Other changes included:• The first session ‘Clowning and Drama’ had to be postponed at short notice in view of inclement weather, and to ensure the safety of participants since the session was to be held in Dingli. This was rescheduled and held at a later date.• The dancing session was combined with the preparation for the final event.. Three sessions, instead of one,were held with the director of Yada College of Dance, Mr Felix Busuttil, who kindly welcomed the group into his studios.• The ’Juggling, Music and Movement‘ session had been scheduled during a Saturday of a long weekend. Following consultation with the participants, it was decided to hold this session at a more convenient date to maximise participation. While at application stage the Animation Weekend was planned under Phase 4 (Implementation) following Phase 3 (Consolidation) thanks to the on-going evaluation, the team realised that the weekend formed an integral part of the formation process, where the participants could come together and kick-start the preparation for the main event.• At application stage, the team had planned a one-day final event in Valletta. However, following discussions with Mayor of Valletta Dr Alexiei Dingli, the team agreed to hold the event over three days, namely the 14-16 December 2012, to coincide with the opening week of the Christmas Shopping season. This would allowed the project to reach out to more people and spread the message of inclusion to a wider audience. • Mark Duca was listed as one of the members of the group at application stage however by the time the project started he had to drop out due to other commitments.The National agency was informed about most of these changes during a monitoring visit held by Ms Jessica Zammit during the second session held at the Salesia Oratory in Sliema..