Youth aspirations and migration: Challenges and opportunities in rural Dominican Republic

The youth population plays a vital role in the continuing development of societies. However, young people in rural, underserved regions of the world face more life disadvantages compared to others due to lack of access and limited resources. Lower socioeconomic status, combined with poor living conditions, has caused young people to migrate out of their rural towns in early adulthood. Consequently, growth and development in rural communities face challenges due to a shortage of young, talented and skilled workforce. Through a survey, this study assesses youths' aspirations and perspectives towards future's prospects and out-migration from the rural town of El Cercado in the Dominican Republic. Results show that despite economic hardships and living challenges experienced at home, young people in El Cercado had career aspirations in fields other than the traditional agricultural sector. Most expressed the desire to leave their rural hometown in search of more prosperous opportunities elsewhere. Female youth, especially, expressed a stronger desire to leave home after high school in search of higher education. Male youth, on the other hand, focused more on job and business opportunities. However, an overwhelming majority of them planned to return to help their communities. Better living conditions, more jobs and access to higher education are the top motivations for youth to stay in their rural hometown after secondary school. Young people also shared high confidence in external interventions to help keep youth in their rural hometowns. The findings from this study highlight the importance of making higher education accessible in rural regions in the Dominican Republic. These insights can also help community leaders and champions design sustainable development strategies to build and retain local talent who can continue supporting the growth of rural towns.