"The project ""Gender Unpon a Time II"" aimed at supporting the development of inclusive groups, communities and larger societies towards acceptance of diversity, especially themes related to gender roles and expression. Culturally and historically defined traditional gender roles, can threaten free expressions of one’s gender identity, provoking possible exclusion and discrimination of people who reject these roles, at the same time blaming people who identify with traditional gender roles. Therefore, the main aim of the project has been to provide participants with processes of exchange and confrontational occasions among different cultures, in order to raise awareness on the socially constructed nature of traditional gender roles. Our aim has been achieved by using non-formal education methodologies.The specific objectives were:-to create a safe space of exchange and discussion to raise awareness and gain knowledge about other cultures and other countries, developing active participation and citizenship (through getting to know each other activities, team-building and group work);-to deepen concepts related to gender roles and expression (through group work and presentations or expert input such as the gender bread kit);-to recognize and deconstruct stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination about gender and sexual identity (through simulations, group work and expert input);-to use theatrical tools and methodologies to enforce one’s empathetic attitude (through embodied learning, spacial awareness, voice exercises);-to share similarities and differences of the social construction process of traditional gender roles (through group work, presentations and theatrical tools);-to spread knowledge of the Erasmus+ program (through expert input, group work and presentations).The project hosted 2 activities with in total 44 participants. More in detail the young people were: aged between 19 and 30, interested in gender related topics and to experience an intercultural exchange, willing to try to communicate in English and motivated to become multipliers for the outcomes of the exchange. The group leaders, were: aged between 25 and 37, active an non-profit organisation and/or the local community, interested to promote the general topic, able to communicate and provide language support in English and able to participate in both activities.The project activities were:-an Advanced Planning Visit held in Noordwijk aan Zee, which gathered the group leaders representing the partners and a youngster from their respective communities, participants who were already involved in the development of Gender Upon a Time from an early stage. The APV took place between the 11-14th of February 2018 and aimed at analyzing the local and national contexts of the youngsters, the partner NGOs and the competences and expertise present in order to fine tune the full exchange programme and remaining tasks. -a ten-day Youth Exchange held in Alpignano from the 5-14th of April 2018 which aimed at reflecting on traditional gender roles in Europe and the Mediterranean area, raising awareness on their socio-cultural nature, in order to deconstruct the idea that they are intrinsic. The participants got a chance to reflect on their own position in relation to traditional gender roles and discovered new tools to express themselves and create outcomes through non-formal methods using creative expression and storytelling.The organised activities have been participant centered. Working methods were varied and interactive in order to ensure a good educational flow and a balanced programme. Impact and benefitsThe direct beneficiaries of the activities were the participants, especially the group leaders and youngsters who took part in the APV. They were able to take part in an e-course on training and facilitation as preparatory activity leading up to the exchange. At least 10 participants were able to acquire and improve various educational methods and tools in a structured way. All participants have had an opportunity to experience non-formal education with youngsters coming from different countries and different cultural backgrounds. Enabling them to gain awareness, new perspectives and competences on sensitive topics. The process enforced their empathetic attitude and formed a first step for some and a continuation of others to their personal growth and their attitude as active citizens. Also offering participants a real and fair 'getting to know' of a part of the world that has an distorted image in the media. The personal stories and experiences also contribute to less friction between people from these different worlds and gives all of us alternative, less radical ideas and a story to share and spread. Using our tools and best practices to multiply our core message in activities, events and meetings in various local communities in the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Italy, Palestine and Jordan."