Challenges associated with formal education in rural areas, Policy brief Rural NEET Youth Network

The youth demographic in rural areas continues to experience a global decline despite significant efforts from both national and international organisations to downturn this ne gative trend. Such efforts aim to create conditions for learning as well as opportunities that can enable young people to develop knowledge, skills, and competencies. Despite the economic recovery trends of recent years (before the COVID-19 pandemic), young people continue to be particularly vulnerable and especially during times of crisis. Youth disengagement from the labour market can lead to economic loss, demotivation, margina lisation, and be reflected in challenges such as a lack of qualifications, health issues, poverty, and other forms of social exclusion. To address such challenges, it is vital that a detailed understan ding of youth needs is developed. This work should be based on heterogeneous characteristics (personal vs institutional) that include (although not limited to) socio-economic, demographic, financial, technical, and institutional perspectives. This information should subsequently inform both future policy-making and decision-making processes.