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100 proposals from rural youth

The EYCA Youth Panel collected 100 proposals from rural youth across Europe. These ideas target a variety of aspects that could better the livelihoods and the services offered to rural youth. 

These suggestions were collected as part of the Youth Panel’s Rural Youth Project. This project aims to answer the question “How can EYCA’s youth services better respond to the needs of rural youth?”. The ultimate purpose is to produce a roadmap for EYCA members (and other youth-focused entities) to better engage with rural youth. The method to reach this? Listening to and engaging with rural youth.

The research report conducted by the Youth Panel will be published in March 2024. The findings of this research will be used in several ways: they will feed into the EYCA Rural Youth Project, with a final roadmap on how EYCA can enhance its initiatives in rural areas; they will be shared with decision-makers to help improve the legal and physical infrastructure for rural action-taking; and they might be useful for future research on the topic.

100 proposals rural

  1. Choice of the best teachers:
    • Emphasise the importance of selecting high-quality teachers for rural schools to ensure the best education for the youth.
  2. Inclusion and network building:
    • Advocate for inclusion to make rural youth feel part of a network, possibly through activities focused on youth activism and advocacy.
  3. Change in routine:
    • Introduce activities that break the routine and engage youth in different experiences to enhance their personal development.
  4. Employment and scholarships:
    • Provide employment opportunities and scholarships, both domestically and abroad, to improve the economic prospects of rural youth.
  5. Developmental initiatives:
    • Invest in rural areas for overall development, including infrastructure, education, and employment opportunities.
  6. Youth organisations:
    • Create youth organisations in rural areas to foster a sense of community and provide a platform for collective action.
  7. Community activities and funding:
    • Organise more community activities and increase funds to support enterprises and other initiatives that benefit young people in rural areas.
  8. Parental engagement:
    • Encourage and provide the tools to parents to actively support their children's aspirations.
  9. Improvement of the education system:
    • Focus on improving the education system, including the transformation of educational methods and curricula.
  10. Infrastructure development:
    • Develop better infrastructure, including sports facilities, to provide opportunities for young people to socialise and engage in physical activities.
  11. Access to information:
    • Increase access to information, both through social networks and traditional means, to ensure rural youth are aware of opportunities and events.
  12. Equal opportunities:
    • Fight against discrimination and stereotypes, ensuring that rural youth are not considered less valuable and are given equal opportunities.
  13. Youth workshops and camps:
    • Organise workshops, camps, and activities where rural and urban youth can interact, fostering understanding and tolerance.
  14. Local initiatives and entrepreneurship:
    • Support local youth initiatives and encourage entrepreneurship by opening companies and creating permanent cultural and educational content in rural areas.
  15. Transportation options:
    • Improve transportation options to reduce isolation and enable rural youth to participate in community events in neighbouring areas.
  16. Technological development:
    • Dedicate efforts to technological development and ensure rural youth have access to modern tools and resources.
  17. Involvement in decision-making:
    • Provide rural youth with the right to participate in decision-making processes, laws, and opportunities in their communities.
  18. Moral and financial support:
    • Offer moral and financial support for sustainable ideas and initiatives that bring positive changes to their environment.
  19. More services and activities in rural areas:
    • Increase the availability of services in rural areas, including leisure, cultural, and training activities, to provide more opportunities for young people.
  20. Enhanced public transport:
    • Improve public transport infrastructure to address the mobility challenges faced by rural youth, enabling them to access activities and opportunities in larger towns or cities.
  21. Network of municipalities for activities:
    • Establish a network of municipalities to organise various activities, creating a platform for young people to participate in recreational events and projects that capture their attention.
  22. Open houses of culture:
    • Introduce cultural centres or open houses where associations can organise events, classes, workshops, and other activities for the benefit of the local population.
  23. Association collaboration:
    • Foster collaboration among associations in different fields such as culture, sports, entertainment, and environmental initiatives to revitalise rural areas.
  24. Promotion of teleworking:
    • Enhance teleworking opportunities to address employment challenges in small populations, allowing rural youth to reconcile life in rural areas with career opportunities.
  25. Youth budget and public aid:
    • Allocate a budget for youth-related initiatives and promote public aid to support the opening of new businesses, sustainable rural tourism, and programmes that contribute to local economic improvement.
  26. Improved internet connection:
    • Enhance internet connectivity to enable rural youth to work, contribute their knowledge, and spend more time in rural areas while staying connected with the global community.
  27. Transport communications and financial aid:
    • Improve transport communications and provide financial aid for young people to travel to other cities for education and employment opportunities.
  28. Access to housing:
    • Ensure better access to housing for young people in rural areas to address accommodation challenges and retain them in their communities.
  29. Cultural promotion and learning:
    • Promote culture, arts, and learning in rural areas, offering diverse activities and opportunities for young people to engage in educational and recreational pursuits.
  30. European financing:
    • Seek more European financing to support initiatives that benefit rural youth, foster development, and create more opportunities.
  31. Participation in decision-making:
    • Involve rural youth in decision-making processes, considering their opinions and perspectives on social issues and community development.
  32. Support for entrepreneurship:
    • Create support networks for young rural entrepreneurs, facilitating the realisation of life projects and promoting local economic growth.
  33. Digital education in rural areas:
    • Increase access to digital education in rural areas, focusing on high-speed internet connections, technological devices, and digital resources adapted to the needs of schools.
  34. Digital education and teacher training:
    • Offer specific training programmes for teachers in rural schools to enhance their digital skills and effective use of information and communication technologies in the classroom.
  35. Collaboration between rural and urban schools:
    • Promote collaboration between rural and urban schools to exchange know-how and digital resources, enhancing the quality of education in rural areas.
  36. Financial support for innovative education:
    • Provide financial support to both rural and urban schools that introduce and implement innovations in digital education, facilitating the adoption of new technologies and teaching methods.
  37. Social activities for all ages:
    • Increase social activities for young people of all ages in rural areas, addressing the need for recreational opportunities and spaces for youth engagement.
  38. Voluntary opportunities:
    • Increase voluntary opportunities for youth participation, allowing them to actively engage in community service and initiatives.
  39. Funding and access to higher education:
    • Improve funding in schools and ensure access to higher education without leaving the community, supporting the transition to renewable energy jobs.
  40. Youth representation in politics:
    • Communicate with and implement proposals from rural youth, ensuring their representation in politics and providing adequate transport and connections to cities.
  41. National or European youth organisations:
    • Establish nationwide or Europe-wide organisations with youth centres and active leaders in towns, encouraging the formation of such groups.
  42. International experiences and stays abroad:
    • Promote more stays abroad and international experiences for young people to broaden their perspectives and skills.
  43. Creation of youth groups:
    • Promote the creation of youth groups responsible for projects and initiatives, giving responsibility and trust to young minds.
  44. Accessible meeting spaces:
    • Create accessible meeting spaces, such as centres or bars, where young people can gather, work on projects, and socialise.
  45. Public transport accessibility and subsidies:
    • Provide free or subsidised public transport for young students to encourage mobility, along with initiatives in digital, financial education, and sustainability.
  46. Information on opportunities:
    • Increase young people's information on opportunities through European programmes and more professional opportunities.
  47. Hospital reinforcement and educational support:
    • Reinforce hospitals with staff, establish an oncology clinic, and offer free postgraduate education for financially challenged youth.
  48. Affordable rentals and essential services:
    • Address household problems related to heavy taxation and low family income, and ensure affordable rentals and essential services.
  49. Cultural and athletic activities:
    • Organise more actions of cultural or athletic interest to enhance the quality of life for young people in the province.
  50. Internet access and telecommunications:
    • Ensure accessible internet access and telecommunications services in rural areas to facilitate information access and learning.
  51. Infrastructure for students:
    • Build appropriate infrastructure for students' studies and housing, improving the overall living conditions for young people in rural areas.
  52. Music and cultural events:
    • Support music and cultural actions and events to provide recreational and social opportunities for young people in rural areas.
  53. Financial incentives for local products:
    • Provide financial incentives for exporting local products to the European market, encouraging economic development in rural areas.
  54. Tourism development:
    • Promote tourism development in rural regions to create job opportunities and attract visitors.
  55. Use of photovoltaics and green energy:
    • Encourage the use of photovoltaics and green energy sources to promote sustainability and environmental consciousness.
  56. Nightlife enhancement:
    • Improve nightlife options for young people by fostering social interactions and providing entertainment options.
  57. Learning opportunities and programmes:
    • Facilitate access to CECs (cultural and educational centres) for learning opportunities and participation in various programmes.
  58. Experience in big cities:
    • Encourage young people to spend at least a year in a big city to broaden their perspectives and gain experience in different ways of life. Likewise, urban youth could spend time in a rural setting to gain a different perspective and experience.
  59. Cooperation and support among youth:
    • Promote cooperation, coexistence, and support among young people to build a sense of community and diversity.
  60. Diversification of activities:
    • Diversify activities in rural areas, including the introduction of a summer cinema, upgraded pedestrian streets, and more recreational options.
  61. Active Role in self-government:
    • Encourage young people to take an active role in self-government by organising and participating in information, recreational, and cultural activities.
  62. Participation in clubs and cultural actions:
    • Encourage participation in artistic, athletic, dance, and other clubs, as well as bibliophilic actions by local libraries.
  63. Employment opportunities and education enhancement:
    • Provide more job opportunities, and enhance education and activities related to sports and the arts.
  64. Investments in education and training:
    • Invest in education and training, including the creation of technical schools, digital infrastructure, and accessible spaces like youth centres.
  65. Improvement of public transport:
    • Improve public transport networks, making it easier for young people to access education, work, and recreational activities.
  66. Encouragement to stay in the province:
    • Provide incentives and encouragement for young people to stay in rural areas rather than migrate to larger cities.
  67. Cultural feeling development:
    • Promote cultural events and emphasise them in rural locations to develop a strong cultural sense, especially among young people.
  68. Discount programmes and Youth Cards:
    • Introduce discount programmes or participation in European Youth Cards for young people in rural areas to make various services more accessible.
  69. Awareness and mobility reports:
    • Increase awareness of opportunities through tours, speeches, and mobility reports in Europe, especially in smaller municipalities.
  70. Support for various projects:
    • Provide financial resources for development and support the implementation of various projects initiated by young people.
  71. Improved digital connections and infrastructure:
    • Improve digital connections and infrastructure to facilitate access to information, training, and job opportunities in rural areas.
  72. Economic improvement:
    • Focus on improving the local economy, as it can lead to better opportunities, employment, and services. This includes investing in infrastructure and transport to attract investments.
  73. Infrastructure modernisation:
    • Prioritise the modernisation of infrastructure, particularly in transport, to make rural areas more accessible and attractive for investment, employment, and services.
  74. Cultural and historical promotion:
    • Publicise the cultural, historical, and natural wealth of rural areas to attract attention and promote tourism, potentially boosting economic activities.
  75. Increased employment opportunities:
    • Develop initiatives and policies that lead to an increase in employment possibilities in rural areas, addressing one of the root causes of the rural exodus.
  76. Diverse meeting places and activities:
    • Create more meeting places and provide diverse leisure and cultural activities beyond traditional options like bars. This aims to cater to a variety of interests among the youth.
  77. Educational empowerment through talks:
    • Empower rural youth through educational talks in schools and institutes, providing guidance and motivation for personal and professional development.
  78. Improved accessibility:
    • Enhance accessibility in rural areas, addressing issues such as public transport availability and scheduling.
  79. Diversification of activities and events:
    • Create a variety of activities, events, and training programmes for different age groups, fostering community engagement and providing incentives for participation.
  80. Financial support for start-ups:
    • Support young entrepreneurs by providing financial aid and resources for starting their own businesses or activities in the rural area.
  81. Youth centres and networking:
    • Establish youth centres in municipalities that are interconnected to create a network. Consider the development of an app for young volunteers with reward systems.
  82. Employment for youth without experience:
    • Provide more employment opportunities for young individuals without prior experience, facilitating their entry into the job market.
  83. Extended library and study hours:
    • Extend library hours and create dedicated study spaces to accommodate students and support education.
  84. Transportation improvements:
    • Improve public transport frequencies and schedules to enhance mobility, making it easier for youth to travel within rural areas.
  85. Addressing the rural exodus:
    • Prioritise addressing the issue of rural exodus by creating job opportunities, promoting cultural and leisure activities, and enhancing overall economic conditions.
  86. Alternative leisure options:
    • Promote alternative leisure activities that do not revolve around alcohol consumption, including film festivals, food trucks, and creative initiatives.
  87. Inclusion and equality:
    • Work towards equal opportunities for rural youth, focusing on infrastructure, education, health, and employment.
  88. Youth associations:
    • Encourage the creation of youth associations to foster community engagement and provide opportunities for collaboration.
  89. Information dissemination:
    • Improve communication about available options, opportunities, and support for young people in rural areas.
  90. Affordable housing:
    • Make housing more accessible and affordable, addressing one of the key challenges faced by rural youth.
  91. Inclusive cultural and recreational activities:
    • Promote inclusive cultural and recreational activities that cater to a wide range of interests and age groups throughout the year.
  92. Scholarships and transport aid:
    • Promote a greater number of scholarships or transport aid to support rural youth in participating in educational, cultural, or sports activities, particularly during non-school times like summer.
  93. Playful activities with minors:
    • Facilitate playful activities for minors, creating opportunities for recreational and educational experiences.
  94. Increased cultural events and discounts:
    • Increase the frequency of cultural events in the region and provide companies with discounts. Establish a newsletter that includes information on discounts, events, and courses relevant to youth.
  95. Diversity in sports activities:
    • Encourage a greater diversity of sports activities, moving beyond classic sports like basketball and football.
  96. Improved communication lines:
    • Enhance communication infrastructure, such as buses, to improve connectivity and accessibility for rural youth.
  97. Training opportunities for youth:
    • Provide training opportunities for young people entering the workforce, emphasising the importance of gaining experience and offering more opportunities for youth in various positions.
  98. Greater accessibility to training and employment:
    • Improve accessibility to training programmes and employment opportunities for rural youth, ensuring they have the resources and support needed.
  99. Support centre for social difficulties:
    • Create a support centre and activities for individuals facing social difficulties, offering a helping hand and fostering inclusivity.  

100.  Promotion of sports and art activities:

  • Promote sports activities for adults and children by providing new facilities and material resources.