This report addresses the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) goals for activities related to the development of education in rural areas. Studies were conducted in China, the Philippines, Tanzania, Yugoslavia, Botswana, and Sierra Leone. The first section deals with the analytical study of information on educational legislation, and administrative and financial measures designed to facilitate access to all types and levels of education in rural areas, including measures studied in-depth in China, the Philippines, and Tanzania. Section two presents case studies on the role of the village school in the development of rural areas. Researchers studied two contrasting village schools in Serbia, Yugoslavia, the Community Junior Secondary School in Botswana, and three rural projects in Sierra Leone including the Bunumbu Teacher Training Project and its satellite schools. The final section contains findings and recommendations. The objectives of rural development should include balanced social and economic development. Priority should be given to: (1) the generation of new employment; (2) more equitable access to land and distribution of income; (3) widespread improvements in health, nutrition, and housing; (4) broadened opportunities for all individuals to realize their full potential through education; and (5) a strengthened role for rural people in making decisions that affect their lives. The three appendices are shortened forms of the studies on educational measures in China, the Philippines, and Tanzania. (KS)