THE RUSSIAN POPULATION HAS a sufficiently high level of education. According to the latest micro census, out of every thousand Russians  aged fifteen and above, 133 have a higher education, 18 an incomplete higher education, 219 a specialized secondary  education, 285 a general secondry  education, and 202 an incomplete secondary education. In the 20th century, the nation has achieved impressive results in the sphere of education; at the end of the past century, 75 percent of the population from the age of nine were illiterate.

The Russian Constitution lays it down that general secondary education (nine years) must be compulsory, guaranteeing to every citizen free preschool, elementary, general secondary and specialized secondary education at public or municipal schools or at enterprises, as well as the right to receive, on a competitive basis, a free higher education at  a public or municipal educational establishment or  at  an  enterprise.

Russian citizens are ensured continuity of education through a multi-level structure, a diversified network of educational institutions.

In the academic year 1997/98, there are 70,000 public general secondary schools, attended by over 21 million students, 4,100 schools providing a primary level оf professional education (2.67 million students), and 2,600 public specialized secondary schools (2 million students).

Russia is the world leader in terms of the number of students attending public institutions of higher education (free of charge): its 567 colleges, universities and academies now teach close to 3 million students, which is more than in all European countries taken together.

The country’s network of establishments of higher education has expanded considerably in the past few years. In 1997 alone, 82 branch colleges were opened, mostly in Siberia and the Far East. A total of nearly 730,000 applicants were admitted to Russia’s colleges and universities in 1996-the Russian educational system’s record high.

One important change in the national system of education that has been brought about by the democratic reforms is that education is now provided in Russia not only by public educational establishment but also by pri vate ones. There are relatively few such private institutions thus far, but their number grows with every passing year. In the academic year 1996/97, there were 540 pri vate secondary schools, which were attended by 46,900 students; 23,000 students went to 58 private specialized secondary schools and 162,500 students to 244 private licensed colleges.

Not everyone can afford to pay for tuition, of course; Moscow private colleges charge from $1,800 to $5,000 per academic year, which is a lot of money by Russian standards of the modern day. And students of public colleges and universities often  complain about small grants.

Quite a few Soviet students eked out a living by unloading potatoes, water melons, and other cargoes delivered by rail. In today’s Russia as well many have to take odd jobs to make ends meet which leaves them littie time to study. As always, it is hardest on young married couples who live separately from their parents. In their case, the conflict between the thirst for knowledge and the necessity to earn money to buy themselves food and clothing reacher its peak.

Upon completion of their studies, many run into a new stream of difficulties. Of all unemployed young people registered with the employment service, every fifth is a graduate of some educational institution: 39.5 percent have graduated from high school, 34.5 percent from a school  of vocational training, 16.9 percent have completed a program of study at a specialized secondary school, and 6.4 percent are college or university graduates.

It becomes increasingly hard for young people to get their first job. The curtailment of compulsory education down to nine years results in many school drop-outs finding themselves without occupation. Unable to realize their capacities, young people are often used as reserves by criminal gangs.

Today’s situation demands that the government take energetic and considered measures to streamline the country’s educational system and to guarantee social security to its students and graduates. Fundamental reforming is hurdled by underfunding, but we should all be aware of the fact that by spending money on edu eating the younger generation today, we are laying a foundation for tomorrow’s well-being of the nation. Effort is now underway, to devise conceptual stages of reforming education in Russia and building mechanisms thereof.

Despite existing problems, non-Russians hold, in high esteem, education provided in Russia. Russian colleges and universities, including military schools, are presently attended by around 70,000 foreign students. Russian high school, college and university diplomas are recognized in practically all the countries of Europe.