SEMINAR ON CIVIC EDUCATION BEGINS IN CROATIA

TUHELJSKE TOPLICE, Aug 27 (Hina) - A three-day seminar called "The Citizen and the Constitution, the Foundations of Democracy", organized by the Croatian Education and Sports Ministry, began in Tuheljske Toplice (50 km north-west of Zagreb) on Wednesday. This civic education project is supported financially and through expert-staff by the U.S. Civic Education Center, the U.S. Information Agency and the U.S. Department of Education. Taking part in the seminar are 45 teachers, psychologists and professors from all over Croatia, who will discuss the introduction of a pilot project on civic education, called "The Citizen and the Constitution, the Foundations of Democracy" into the Croatian school system - the seventh and eighth grades of elementary school, and the first grade of high school. Via this optional school subject, Croatian pupils would learn the basic civic principles, develop civility and responsibility towards the general well-being, and be trained to take part in political life. (hina) ha jn 271742 MET aug 97