This paper discusses the primary educational needs of two Fijian villages, Nakawaga and Nukubolu, and three Javan villages, Harjowianangun, Purwosari, and Puliharjo, and inquires into the nature of a rational model of education for rural communities undergoing change from the existing provision of schooling. The paper's basic thesis is that education should be adjusted to the very different contexts of socio-economic changes which are occurring in village life and which can be foreseen to be probable in the immediate future. The desires of the villagers themselves, are emphasized as the best way to define the characteristics of an appropriate education. The paper consists of two main sections, dealing with the Fijian and Javan villages respectively. Details on the social, cultural, economic lives of the villages are presented, the existing primary schools are described, and findings are presented on what villages desire for schooling. Expansion of opportunities for secondary schooling is not necessary to meet the pace and direction of change in Fijian villages, but expansion is necessary in Java to enable a greater proportion of youth to be prepared for mobility into urban or transmigration environments. In both contexts, there are urgent needs for non-formal educational programs which address the needs of youth and young adults. (KH)