A well-educated population has become a defining characteristic
of a modern society. Education is seen as a mechanism for
instilling civic values, as well as a means for developing the
productive and social capacity of the individual. Early
childhood programmes prepare young children socially and
academically for entry into primary education; primary and
secondary education provide a foundation of basic skills that
prepare young people to become productive members of society;
and tertiary education provides a range of opportunities for
individuals to gain advanced knowledge and skills, either
immediately after initial schooling or later in life. In
addition, many employers encourage and assist workers in
upgrading or reorienting their skills in order to meet the
demands of changing technologies. Information on the expected
duration of schooling and on enrolment rates at various levels
of education provides a picture of the structure of different
education systems, as well as of access to educational opportuni