High Education in Serbia

During the last fifteen years the education system in Serbia has been neglected and now it finds itself in a time of crisis. The crisis is a quite apparent outcome of the overall economic and social hardship due to many wars and complete social and financial distress during the nineties. Moreover, economic transition had to be faced at the very beginning of the new millennium. All this led to the fall of the economic and social position of teachers, education and hygienic standards, poor equipment and going abroad of great number of young experts. Parental focus has been on economic survival and the stress in the family left an appalling effect on children and their system of values, their working habits and their life goals.

The education of the nation is too important a matter to be left to politicians, especially to the types of politicians that existed in Serbia . We do not have any more time. We are running a very significant race. The reform has to be immediate and more rapid since our goal is to compare with Europe . In order for this to be possible, Serbia must have adequate profiles of educated people.

Nowadays, an outstanding result requires interdisciplinary education. One needs to possess a great knowledge of many disciplines to get results. For example, a doctor has to be acquainted with microbiology, quantum mechanics and bioelectronics in order to be successful in genetics. There can be no development in computer science or development of new software without mathematics and physics. There is no success in economics and finances if there is no solid mathematical background. Taking everything into account, Serbia needs Europe to receive its knowledge and financial help in order to improve its state.

Serbia has to recognize, strengthen and associate its scientific, technological and educational institutions with European ones. Serbia needs educated and highly-qualified people in order to execute its reforms. It requires not only better internal assessment and external review, but also international participation, cooperation and networking. Needless to say, Serbia requires lifelong learning methods in order to become what it deserves – an integral part of contemporary civilization and the international community.