I think this will have to happen somehow, if only because we need to reduce carbon emissions. I don't think the government is being totally honest about what needs to be done and how it will affect public life.
When I was in Czech R in the 1990s I clearly remember visiting the gymnasiums, some abandoned. The way they organized sports was impressive.
Your experience in this system, and your grandfather can only inform your writing. Not everyone has experienced both democracy and communism. Thank you for sharing it.