An assessment of the learning needs and aspirations of out-of-school rural youths on the family island of exuma in the Bahamas (Caribbean, rural development)
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Abstract
This study was designed to determine and analyse the learning needs and aspirations of rural youth on the Family Island of Exuma in The Bahamas. Data collected through structured interviews were examined from the perspectives of rural youths between the ages of 17 through 21, their parents, educators and community leaders. The following findings emerged as the most significant in the study: (1) There is, at present, a mismatch between the present national development plans and/or policies which contributes to imbalances in both the educational and economic sectors of Exuma. There are three areas in which the case of this mismatch is most salient: (a) rural-urban disparities in planning for development of the Exumian educational and economic sectors, (b) a mismatch between the school curriculum, job requirements and general needs of the economic sector, and (c) an over-emphasis on academic learning that is viewed as the only way to achieve one's educational and occupational aspirations. (2) There is generally a lack of parental involvement in the schools. This absence is perceived by the community as evidence of a poor parental attitude towards the educational development of their children. (3) Outward migration by youth is on the rise because of the lack of educational and economic opportunities on Exuma. (4) There is a reported increase in social problems (crime and the unemployment rate) on the island. These problems are said to be associated with drug trafficking. Based upon the research findings and data analyses, a set of recommendations was formulated to aid policy makers, educational planners and others concerned with planning for rural youth's needs. These recommendations follow from the basic finding that Exumians are too highly dependent on outside sources for their educational and economic needs.
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