Action Plan for Education Invigoration for the 21st Century Approved The State Council has approved the Action Plan for Education Invigoration for the 21st Century made by the Ministry of Education and instructed its various departments and local governments at all levels to strictly implement the plan. 　　Science and technology are the keys to achieving the modernization of China while education serves as the solid foundation, according to a circular issued by the State Council. In the 21st century, China's overall national strength and international competitiveness will more and more rely on the development of education, science and technology. 　　The State Council points out that China has achieved a lot in the reform and development of education since the initiation of reform and opening, but stresses that the current education level does not meet the demands of modernization. 　　The CPC Central Committee has asserted that "it's an issue of vital importance to our socialist cause to nurture large numbers of qualified professionals." The State Council has urged society to make education a priority for ensuring that the nation moves forward through its efficient use of science and education. 　　The major goals of the action plan include: 　　-- Universalize 9-year compulsory education and eliminate illiteracy among the young and the middle aged by 2000. This will bring the average schooling of citizens close to that of middle-income countries; 　　-- Develop a modern network of distance education and establish a life-long learning system. Promote vocational and adult education and improve the cultural and technical training systems in rural areas. Ensure that the new work forces and professionals can receive appropriate education and training; 　　-- Expand the scale of higher education with particular efforts in the development of higher vocational education. It is estimated that by 2010 the gross enrollment rate in higher education will have reached 15 percent; 　　-- Give think-tanks in colleges and institutes a proper role to play and encourage more institutions and academic disciplines to play a part in the world's mainstream education programs. 　　-- Persevere in upgrading knowledge projects and scientific innovation, establish a nationwide education network for both urban and rural schools and nurture highly qualified professionals; 　　-- Boost scientific research and make college-based high technology enterprises a major contributor to socio-economic development; and 　　-- Accelerate the institutional restructuring for the education system to meet the social development. HomeNews 1999-02-25 Page5 Full Story in Chinese