A joint study conducted by Rabota.ru in collaboration with Business environment surveyed more than 3,300 Russian adults in August, aiming to understand how people perceive the current school curriculum and where gaps may exist in financial literacy and related life skills. The findings reveal a broad consensus that essential financial literacy topics are not adequately addressed in schools, a concern echoed across generations and socio-economic groups. The study highlights a strong desire for curricular reforms that would equip students with practical money management skills, a clearer understanding of legal rights and responsibilities, and better communication abilities as they prepare to enter the workforce and navigate a complex economic landscape. This survey, as reported by RIA News, underscores a pressing interest in aligning education with real-world needs and lifelong learning, especially for younger generations stepping into financial independence.
In particular, roughly 57 percent of participants argued for the inclusion of a course titled Fundamentals of Financial Literacy within the school system. The call is not merely about counting coins or balancing a checkbook; it encompasses understanding budgeting, saving, investing basics, debt management, and the impact of credit scores on future opportunities. Aware that financial literacy intersects with consumer protection and personal responsibility, many respondents believe that schools should also cover practical aspects of personal finance literacy, public policy implications, and reliable sources of financial information. About half of those surveyed stressed the importance of teaching legal literacy and the fundamentals of law, which would empower students to interpret contracts, understand rights, and recognize consumer protections. Communications and interpersonal skills were highlighted by nearly half of the participants, who see value in formal instruction on effective writing, persuasive communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution as part of a well-rounded education.
Beyond these topics, respondents identified gaps in the curriculum related to health and wellbeing. Specifically, 39 percent pointed to medical literacy, including how to evaluate health information, understand medical terminology, and make informed health choices. Another 38 percent called for stronger focus on psychology and emotional well-being to help students navigate stress, relationships, and decision-making under pressure. The survey also showed a demand for ecological literacy and environmental stewardship, with about 30 percent wanting topics on ecology and sustainable practices integrated into the school day. Additionally, 28 percent expressed interest in lessons on entrepreneurship and the fundamentals of starting and running a small business, reflecting a growing appetite for practical, career-oriented education. Other topics mentioned by respondents—rhetoric and public speaking (20 percent), research methods (17 percent), and creativity (14 percent)—signal a desire for a broader, transferable skill set that supports innovation and civic participation.
When considering subjects currently taught in schools, the majority of respondents found core language and literacy skills indispensable. About 70 percent said the Russian language remains essential in everyday life, career success, and civic engagement. Mathematics was viewed as useful by 57 percent of participants, with a notable segment recognizing its relevance to problem-solving and analytical thinking, while 28 percent associated it with job-specific competencies. The value of foreign languages, physics, and computer science was acknowledged by roughly a quarter of respondents, highlighting an awareness that global communication and digital literacy are critical in modern economies. Literature and geography also earned significant acknowledgement, with a quarter of survey participants citing them as useful, while history attracted 23 percent for its role in shaping cultural and civic understanding. Economics and social sciences were regarded as valuable by nearly one-fifth of respondents, and the natural sciences—biology and chemistry—garnered support, albeit to a smaller extent. Arts and music, though less prominent, still registered interest, underscoring the belief that creativity and cultural literacy enrich personal and professional life.
The discussion around life safety and civic responsibility, particularly in the context of national service, remains a debated topic in certain educational conversations. Some respondents suggested integrating life safety education with broader civic preparedness and homeland defense topics to help students understand the responsibilities and strategic imperatives of national service. Others emphasized a more universal approach that prioritizes personal safety, emergency readiness, and critical thinking in crisis situations. The survey signals that schools are seen as a foundational institution where practical knowledge and civic education can intersect, preparing young people not only for employment but for informed, engaged citizenship in a rapidly changing world.