Despite these efforts, young people in rural areas face significant employment challenges. Workshop participants reported that job opportunities are scarce and mostly limited to low-skilled, seasonal work in retail, transportation, agriculture, or small businesses.
Highly qualified professionals find few options, typically confined to schools, health centres, or municipal offices.
Young people anticipate that technological advancements — particularly artificial intelligence — will reshape the labour market, replacing many existing jobs while creating new ones.
However, most feel unprepared for these changes, with only one participant actively pursuing further education to adapt. While some youth are aware of freelancing and remote work opportunities, these are seen as viable mainly for those with higher education and digital skills. Those with lower qualifications feel excluded from these emerging sectors.
Participants expressed a preference for stable, secure jobs with fair wages, defined working hours, and formal contracts. Flexibility, opportunities for advancement, and access to support services — especially for young parents — were also highlighted as essential.
Yet, rural infrastructure and limited access to digital resources hinder employability and adaptability, deepening the divide between urban and rural youth.
The desire to leave rural areas is strong among students and graduates, though family ties and financial constraints often prevent relocation. To empower youth and improve employment outcomes, participants called for better transportation, formalised job structures, and inclusive policies that recognise skills over diplomas.
SBC’s entrepreneurial model offers a promising alternative, but broader systemic support is needed to ensure young people can build sustainable careers—whether they choose to stay or seek opportunities elsewhere.
