As part of the 3rd National Congress on Rural Schools, we spoke with Juan Hernández, advisor to the Ministry of Education and the Princess of Girona Foundation, and one of the most active voices in defense of rural schools. With a career that combines pedagogy, innovation, and social commitment, Hernández reflects on the challenges facing rural areas, the impact of projects such as Generación Docentes and RadioEdu, and sends a clear message: “Rural schools are not a place to pass through, they are an opportunity for transformation.”
How did the National Congress on Rural Schools come about?
It was conceived in Extremadura. I remember that it was difficult at first, because it didn’t come from an educational administration. Although I was working at the Teacher and Resource Center in Navalmoral de la Mata, the congress was the initiative of four people who founded an educational association called Mórula. We wanted to organize a small conference for the rural educational community, but the project grew, institutions such as the Princess of Girona Foundation joined, and we decided to take the leap towards the first national congress. It was a lot of work, but our enthusiasm for improving rural education gave us strength.
What role has the Ministry of Education played in promoting rural schools?
The Ministry is very aware of rural schools. Following the first conference, a specific category was created in the educational awards for towns with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants. It’s an important nod, and although we don’t have a direct strategic line from my area, it is recognized and supported.
“Rural schools will hook you, you’ll become passionate about them, and they’ll transform you.”
How important is collaboration between institutions in promoting this type of conference?
It’s key. Just as education is something we all do together, a national conference on rural schools must involve all educational institutions and administrations. It’s the only way to get the message across and show our collective commitment.
What are the objectives of the Generación Docentes program?
Generación Docentes, promoted by the Princess of Girona Foundation, is one of the most powerful programs launched in recent years. It allows 30 university students from different communities to do their internships in rural schools. It was a risky bet at first, but it has raised awareness of this educational reality. Many of these young people stay in touch with the schools, and some even want to return. It is a transformative program.
“Institutional collaboration is not optional; it is the foundation for rural schools to be visible and strong.”
Tell us about the RadioEdu project.
It is one of my most beloved personal projects. It was born at a difficult time in my life, when I took refuge in radio and thought that maybe I had chosen the wrong career. But I decided to combine my two passions: education and communication. We started with four students in a remedial classroom and saw how motivated they were. Over time, we grew, received support, and finally created a network of more than 400 schools in Extremadura with educational radio. Radio, although it may seem old-fashioned compared to television or social media, creates magic in the classroom.
What does radio bring to the rural educational environment?
It gives it identity. Having a project like school radio makes the school become a hub for the community. Students, families, village associations, even the town hall get involved. It’s much more than an educational tool: it brings the social fabric of the community together.
“You can’t reject rural schools if you haven’t experienced them. We have to break down that barrier.”
And from a pedagogical point of view?
Radio works on all skills: time management, oral and written communication, cooperative work. I like to say that radio is like swimming: a complete exercise that develops multiple skills. We even include financial management so that students know how to draw up a budget or present a project. It’s comprehensive, fun, and meaningful learning.
What are the main challenges facing rural schools?
The biggest challenge is depopulation. The autonomous communities, which are responsible for education, must work to reverse this trend. There are some very positive experiences: students who leave to attend secondary school or university but want to return to their village to live and work. Another major challenge is outreach. We need the help of the media to spread the message about rural schools beyond conferences.
What would you say to a future teacher who is unsure about going to a rural school?
I would tell them to go. More than 90% of teachers spend some time in a rural school. It’s not easy, it has its challenges, but if you let yourself be guided by experienced teachers, you’ll get hooked. You can’t reject something you don’t know. You have to take the leap. Rural schools offer more benefits than you can imagine.
