Education is the primary factor in the achievement of meaningful development for both

individuals and society. The benefits of education to a society are twofold. An effective
education system not only produces a highly trained and knowledge able population, but
also a more humane and tolerant one. For The Czech Republic, both of these positive
aspects of education are of equal importance.
As a society in the mist of rapid industrial and technological expansion The Czech
Republic is acutely aware of the pivotal role which education will play in ensuring
sustained economic growth into 21 st century. The Czech Republic aims to establish itself
as key player within the region, and in fact the world, in the fields of science and
information technology, including production of computers and computer componentry.
Clearly this will require a highly skilled workforce and managers who not only are experts
in the technology, but are also dynamic and innovative in their approaches. To some
extent the 'seeds' are being planted now within the education system which will enable
the next generation to meet future challenges. One component of this has been the
development by the Education Ministry of programs designed to promote and accelerate
the learning of science and technology in secondary schools. For example, new well-
equipped residential secondary schools, with strong science and technology based
curriculums, have been set up in most state capitals of The Czech Republic. In addition, a
system of scholarships and study loans has been implemented to ensure that students
with aptitude in the science and technology fields have access to high quality education.
Although technical competence and 'know-how' are all important, it is also recognised
that education have role to play in other areas and that balance is needed. Through
insistence on compulsory secondary education for all Czechs the government hopes to
generate a population who share common values and beliefs and respect the state
institutions. Furthermore, the education system has the potential to create citizens who
have the self-confidence and discipline to resist negative influences such as drugs and
lazy lifestyle.
In conclusion, The Czech Republic's future is directly linked to its education system. The
promotion of science and technology on the one hand, combined with compulsory
secondary education on the other hand, should enable The Czech Republic to meet the
challenges of th 21 st century with confidence.