The FYI-R workshop co-organised with Rural Move in Portugal explored how rural youth envision inclusive futures and their role in shaping vibrant communities. Rural Move, a nonprofit founded in 2020, promotes investment in low-density territories through social innovation, youth empowerment, and European cooperation. Its initiatives — like the Rural Leaders’ Academy and Rural Impact Hub — aim to revitalise rural areas by fostering intergenerational collaboration and local engagement.
The workshop used creative methods to surface youth perspectives on im/mobility, inclusion, and participation. Activities such as “Flying Ideas,” “Wall Reflections,” and collaborative poster-making encouraged young people to express frustrations, dreams, and policy suggestions.
Participants highlighted the tension between wanting to stay in rural areas and being forced to leave due to limited opportunities. They emphasised that staying should be a dignified choice, not a default due to lack of mobility. Key barriers to inclusion included poor transport infrastructure, limited access to education, cultural activities, and healthcare.
Youth felt disconnected from decision-making and constrained by structural issues like teacher shortages and curricula misaligned with local realities. They called for schools to offer regionally relevant subjects — agriculture, sustainability, digital skills — and for universities to establish satellite hubs in rural areas.
Participants imagined a future where rural communities are inclusive, mobile, and opportunity-rich. They proposed investments in cooperatives, social enterprises, and remote work infrastructure, alongside support for youth entrepreneurship and vocational training. Their ideal rural community includes jobs with purpose, intergenerational learning, and freedom to move without losing ties. Ultimately, the workshop revealed a strong desire for agency.
Young people want to participate meaningfully in shaping their territories, but feel trapped by systemic barriers. Empowering youth through inclusive policies, infrastructure investment, and recognition of their lived experiences is essential to reversing depopulation and fostering resilient rural futures.
The workshop used creative methods to surface youth perspectives on im/mobility, inclusion, and participation. Activities such as “Flying Ideas,” “Wall Reflections,” and collaborative poster-making encouraged young people to express frustrations, dreams, and policy suggestions.
Participants highlighted the tension between wanting to stay in rural areas and being forced to leave due to limited opportunities. They emphasised that staying should be a dignified choice, not a default due to lack of mobility. Key barriers to inclusion included poor transport infrastructure, limited access to education, cultural activities, and healthcare.
Youth felt disconnected from decision-making and constrained by structural issues like teacher shortages and curricula misaligned with local realities. They called for schools to offer regionally relevant subjects — agriculture, sustainability, digital skills — and for universities to establish satellite hubs in rural areas.
Participants imagined a future where rural communities are inclusive, mobile, and opportunity-rich. They proposed investments in cooperatives, social enterprises, and remote work infrastructure, alongside support for youth entrepreneurship and vocational training. Their ideal rural community includes jobs with purpose, intergenerational learning, and freedom to move without losing ties. Ultimately, the workshop revealed a strong desire for agency.
Young people want to participate meaningfully in shaping their territories, but feel trapped by systemic barriers. Empowering youth through inclusive policies, infrastructure investment, and recognition of their lived experiences is essential to reversing depopulation and fostering resilient rural futures.
