Education and rural environment
25/01/2023
Susana Llorens Cubel
On February 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11, 2023, the I Congress on Education and Rural Environment will be held with the aim of disseminating the most recent approaches related to formal education in rural areas and their specific problems, but also on how knowledge and training can be generated from rural areas through multiple innovative and non-formal initiatives. To this end, the congress addresses various thematic axes, objectives and contents related to the rural school, understood in a broad sense. Throughout the different sessions, there will be discussions on territorial development models, learning processes, the role of the teacher, the management and direction of centers, the creation of networks and the role of the educational community in the rural environment. This event is held in a hybrid format with in-person and online participation in different venues in the Valencian Community: Agres, Aielo de Malferit, Benlloch, Vilafranca. Aras de los Olmos -and, specifically, the Big History center in recognition of its innovative approach in the rural environment- has the privilege of being its closing venue.
Education in the rural environment is essential for sustainable development and social equity. It not only helps to improve economic opportunities and environmental sustainability, but also consolidates the empowerment and appreciation of the culture and heritage of rural communities. Undoubtedly, this Congress contributes to give visibility to these rural areas, highlighting the current situation and sharing the challenges faced by these communities. At the same time, it helps to raise awareness of their inequalities and needs and to mobilize participants to actively take action to improve their situation.
In short, this is a great opportunity to promote the development of research and innovation, foster dialogue between experts and people linked to rural schools, promote educational inclusion, strengthen and rethink new educational scenarios giving visibility to the rural environment and, at the same time, create awareness and spaces for dialogue where to share proposals, experiences, research approaches and strategies from which to forge not only a valuable vision but also a committed attitude about the realities faced by rural communities, especially from the educational field. The I Congress on Education and Rural Environment represents a good opportunity to make the voice of rural territories heard and to help inspire innovative proposals in the double field of rural schools and open education for citizenship from these territories.
