A group of young journalism students at the University of Valladolid decided to focus their ciberjournalism project on exploring rural towns and villages in Spain, a topic that caught their curiosity. The project, named Silencio Rural, aims to showcase the often overlooked rural areas and the stories of their inhabitants. The students, Yago Costoya, Rubén Aparicio, Andrés Barreiro, and Diego Carreras, have been exploring different small towns outside of Valladolid to document their findings through TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and a website. They have encountered both challenges and hopes in these rural communities, highlighting the issues of depopulation, economic struggles, but also the cultural richness and local initiatives.
Their journey took them to various towns like San Pelayo, Villavieja del Cerro, Velilla, and others, where they witnessed the effects of depopulation and the decline of rural areas. However, their experience in San Pelayo was different, as they were welcomed by the local community and discovered a vibrant side to the town, with colorful murals and cultural events like the Cuatro Gatos festival. Despite the challenges faced by these rural communities, the students were able to see a glimpse of hope and resilience, which they aim to share with their audience through their digital platforms.
The students’ personal connections to rural life, such as Barreiro coming from a small village in León and Carreras from Tordesillas, have enriched their project and provided them with a deeper understanding of the issues faced by these communities. Their interactions with the local residents have allowed them to gather stories and anecdotes that shed light on the rural way of life, both the struggles and the positives. Through their social media platforms, they have been able to raise awareness among their peers about the complexities of rural life and the challenges of depopulation.
Their initiative, which received the highest grade in their class, has attracted a growing following on social media, with increasing views and followers on platforms like TikTok. The students have decided to continue their project, exploring more rural towns in Castilla y León and planning to create a documentary as part of another journalism assignment. Their goal is to give voice to those in rural communities who are often overlooked and to raise awareness about the issues they face. The students have also participated in events in Madrid to learn more about the agricultural sector and continue their education as aspiring journalists.
As they continue their journey through rural Spain, the students are committed to sharing the stories of these communities and shedding light on the challenges and opportunities they encounter. With a growing audience and a passion for storytelling, the Silencio Rural project aims to bring attention to the richness and diversity of rural life in Spain, while also addressing the issues of depopulation and economic struggles. Through their digital platforms and documentary work, the students hope to inspire others to explore and appreciate the rural areas that are often hidden from the mainstream media.
