A rural environment, especially one that is agrarian-based, is by far the best environment for raising children.  Having community schools is a prime necessity. Each community must be prepared to educate locally, and academic, ethical, and basic occupational education should be provided.

We want quality teachers - not just those who have knowledge but those who have ideal character and can teach real values. 

The schools are located in the middle of every four villages (see Community Layout). Schools can instead be centrally located in a community. We should educate up through high school if possible. Science, mathematics, and all other standard subjects must be part of the curriculum. 

Rather than wait until college to specialize, however, this should be started much earlier in a child’s education, as soon as his or her nature becomes apparent.  Therefore the high school should also focus on this. Many high schools and community colleges teach a variety of trades. 

Parents will also have the option to send their children to local schools that are nearby.  Each community will have their own school system, but those who move in prior to schools being established may require this option. Many residents may also favor home-schooling, and can cooperate together in their village for this purpose. 

Adult education is a very important part of the community.  This is not only for ourselves and our children but also for classes and workshops for visitors and guests.

Occupation

Real occupation means finding an appropriate method of providing a valuable service or product to society.  What is valuable in a rural self-sufficient community may be much different than what is considered valuable by modern society. In a more natural environment it also becomes easier to determine everyone's true disposition and inclinations. This must be based on an understanding that all services are valuable, otherwise we will end up in the same situation as modern society – future generations will head for the city to try to become artificially wealthy at the expense of others - either locally or in another country.

Everyone in society must provide some type of useful service. We cannot have the attitude that one is better than another. If we think that being a holistic doctor is better than being an organic farmer, for example, and project that attitude, everyone will be artificially trying to be a doctor and we’ll cause havoc. Similarly, if we set up an economic system whereby doctors have more money the same will happen.

The only consideration should be each person’s particular nature, and therefore the service to society that is most suitable and satisfying to them according to that nature.  All services are good, and all of them are valuable, as long as there is something produced of real benefit for the community.

Within a rural community we may find a great need for certain types of occupations, and this may change as the community develops. Therefore most people who start such communities are prepared to roll up their sleeves and do whatever it takes. This is one of the strengths of American society  - many people do repairs and remodeling of their own houses, for example, rather than hire a contractor or construction worker.

Organic farming is essential; without it we cannot survive.  This occupation is by far the most important in establishing a self-sufficient community, yet once it is established all occupations then become equally important. Yet organic farming is still the backbone of the community, since food is one of the foremost necessities along with water and shelter.

Therefore every single person should know basic organic gardening, and children should also help as they are growing up, and thus also learn.  This is in contrast to typical urban life where people do not even know these basics. Adults and children of all ages can benefit greatly by working in their garden.

As the children get older, they can also learn other skills, and ultimately they can take to any occupation they desire that is suitable for their nature. But they will automatically have organic gardening skills just by growing up in the community, and not be helpless slaves to the modern economic machine controlled by a few people in power.

See also Social Structure, The Social Body, and Stages of Life.

Next - (Providing Necessities) Community Economics