SECTION A — WHAT WORKS WELL TO RETAIN TALENTED PEOPLE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES?
Rate how effective you think each of the following is. 1 = not at all effective → 5 = very effective
A1Local scholarship programs that require recipients to work in the region for a set number of years after graduating
not effective
very effective
1
2
3
4
5
A2Higher government salaries for teachers, doctors, and engineers who work in rural areas
not effective
very effective
1
2
3
4
5
A3Entrepreneurship education and seed funding to help young people build local businesses
not effective
very effective
1
2
3
4
5
A4Better internet connectivity and remote work infrastructure to allow professionals to work globally without leaving
not effective
very effective
1
2
3
4
5
A5Cultural pride campaigns that reframe staying in one's community as a mark of achievement, not a failure to leave
not effective
very effective
1
2
3
4
5
A6University programs designed around local industries (agriculture, tourism, local health) so that graduates have an immediate role in the community
not effective
very effective
1
2
3
4
5
SECTION B — WHAT DOESN'T WORK, OR CAUSES TALENTED PEOPLE TO LEAVE?
Rate how serious you think each of the following problems is. 1 = not a problem → 5 = very serious problem
B1Salary inequality — the same work pays significantly less in rural areas than in Lima or Arequipa
not a problem
very serious
1
2
3
4
5
B2Lack of professional development — limited access to training, conferences, specialist networks, or career advancement
not a problem
very serious
1
2
3
4
5
B3Social pressure and family expectations — the idea that success means moving to a city, which discourages people from valuing a life at home
not a problem
very serious
1
2
3
4
5
B4Limited educational and social opportunities for children — parents leave because they want better schooling or healthcare for their families
not a problem
very serious
1
2
3
4
5
B5Bureaucratic obstacles to starting businesses or accessing government services in rural areas
not a problem
very serious
1
2
3
4
5
B6The feeling of being underutilized or undervalued — talented people feel their skills and efforts are not recognized or rewarded in rural settings
not a problem
very serious
1
2
3
4
5
OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS
Write a few words or a sentence — your honest first thoughts are more valuable than a polished answer.
OPEN QUESTION 1
In one sentence: why did you choose to work where you work now? Was it primarily a choice, or primarily a circumstance?
OPEN QUESTION 2
Think of a talented former student who left your region. What was the main reason they left? Do you think the community lost something important when they left?
OPEN QUESTION 3
What is the single most important thing your institution or regional government could do right now to make young graduates more likely to stay?
OPEN QUESTION 4
On a scale from 1 to 10 — how rooted do you personally feel in your community? What makes you feel that way?
SECTION C — BRIEF BACKGROUND (OPTIONAL)
Anonymous background information to help us understand the range of perspectives in the group.
REGION / PROVINCE WHERE YOU GREW UP
DO YOU WORK IN THE REGION WHERE YOU GREW UP?
HAVE CLOSE FAMILY MEMBERS MIGRATED TO A LARGER CITY?
YEARS TEACHING AT YOUR CURRENT INSTITUTION
HOW LIKELY ARE YOU TO STILL BE WORKING IN THIS REGION IN 10 YEARS? (1 = very unlikely → 5 = very likely)
THANK YOU!
Your responses have been recorded. Your answers will help shape our class discussion today.