Rubbing ideas together can create a spark for rural communities, says the organizer of a youth forum held Oct. 24 in Alliston, Ont.
Kathy Kaye of the Ontario Rural Council said 40 people from ages 18 to 29 met before the council’s annual conference to discuss how to get young people to stay in or return to rural Ontario. It was the first time the seminar had been held, and Kaye said participants found it so useful it will likely be held again next year.
“They appreciated talking to other youth about telecommunications and farming ideas.”
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Kaye said the young people focused on four areas:
Telecommunications
The youth don’t want to see a digital gap between the cities and the rural areas. They want high speed, broad band access developed equally across Ontario. Education courses could then be offered on the internet to allow people to stay at home to learn.
The youth want start-up assistance and long-term financial help to farm. They also said agricultural awareness should be built among urban consumers.
They want special funding that allows entrepreneurs to act on their innovations.
Involve teenagers in the community to build loyalty and keep professionals. This can be reinforced by having businesses and municipal governments sponsor education costs for those willing to return home to work.
