* Distance to school: Rural areas often have sparsely populated settlements, making the distance to the nearest school long and potentially dangerous or impractical for children to travel, especially without adequate transportation.
* Lack of resources: Rural schools often lack the resources of urban schools, including qualified teachers, updated textbooks, technology, and adequate infrastructure (buildings, sanitation).
* Poverty: Poverty is often more prevalent in rural areas, making it difficult for families to afford school fees, uniforms, supplies, and other associated costs. Children may also be needed to work to support their families.
* Cultural factors: In some cultures, there may be less emphasis on education for girls, or a preference for children to work in agriculture or other family businesses.
* Safety concerns: Traveling to and from school in rural areas may present safety risks, especially for girls.
Therefore, while many children *do* attend school in rural areas, the rates of school attendance are generally lower than in urban areas, leading to significant disparities in educational opportunities.