USAID launches two new large-scale projects in the field of education

Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport - Irina Abuladze held a meeting with Peter Wibler - USAID Mission Director, and Adam Schmidt – the Head of Democracy and Social Development department. During the meeting, the parties touched upon the US Government Support Program in the Education Sector, specifically the USAID's successful cooperation in promoting elementary and civic education in Georgia. The guests expressed full readiness to promote the scope of education reform within the framework of new initiatives. For this purpose, in addition to the US grant funding, two additional new projects will be launched in 2019.

The new project will focus on general education sector, namely, the creation of environmental oriented environment in primary education level, as well as for the development of literacy, mathematics, innovation and high thinking skills amongst students and pupil alike; Professional development modules, supporting resources will be developed; also, attention will be paid to improving the quality of teacher training programs. Through USAID grant financing, the vocational education sector will focus not only on strengthening cooperation with the state sector but also for the intensification of private sector, small and medium businesses.

At the meeting the sides discussed the current and planned reforms of the Ministry in different directions of education. The guests were very positive about teachers' pay policy, offering a reward for teachers of retirement age and positive feedback from teachers.

"Cooperation with foreign and international partners is important for the Ministry in the implementation of the reform process, not only financially but also by international experts in terms of technical support," - noted Deputy Minister.