Presentation on MCA-Georgia Second Compact
The meeting was opened by Minister of Education and Science of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili. Richard Norland, US Ambassador to Georgia and Minister of Finances Nodar Khaduri attended the meeting. The presentation was conducted by Director of MCC Georgia Jim McNicholas and MCA Georgia Executive Director Gia Zurabashvili.
June 19, 2013 MCC Board of Directors approved 5-year compact worth of 140 million USD for Georgia. The aim is to improve quality of human capital and work force by means of investing in science and technological education.
“One of the main conditions for economic growth is to provide citizens with education and skills necessary to succeed in modernized economy.” – stated MCC Chief Executive Director Daniel Johannes. “The Compact shall empower teaching and educational institutions, so that students will be able to master the skills that are in direct connection with industry. Better educated work force will ensure economic growth, increase in employment and the country will become strong trade partner of the United States ” added Daniel Johannes.
Government of Georgia conducted analysis for next compact. The analysis showed that existing level of human capital represents hindering factor for economic development. This is more obvious in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The proposed compact will invest starting from the stage of general education and including the following stages, increase of women participation in STEM will be emphasized.
The Compact that will be signed in summer 2013 includes three projects:
General Education Quality Improvement Project – the project aims at general education quality improvement by means of school rehabilitation, teachers and administration trainings and educational assessments.
Industrial Skills and Work Force Development Project – the goal of the project is to meet labor market demands by means of providing citizens with corresponding technical skills.
STEM Higher Education Project – The project aims at attracting partnership with one or more American University (ies) with the aim of modernizing scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical education. This will encourage productivity and increase in employment possibilities.
Georgia successfully finished 5-year 395.3 million dollar Compact in April 2011.
