Within the framework of the USAID Education for the Future program, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Arizona State University and other partner Georgian universities. The primary objective of this partnership is to advance the development of teacher training and educational science programs within universities.
Deputy Minister of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, Nodar Papukashvili, participated in the signing ceremony. In his address, he emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with American universities to foster the internationalization of education. Papukashvili expressed gratitude to the US government for its support in education development, emphasizing Georgia's commitment to actively engage in joint educational projects with its strategic partner, the United States of America.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Georgia, Robin L. Dunnigan, and Iveta Silva, Dean for the Global Engagement at Mary Lou Fulton School of Education were also present at the event. Additionally, rectors of partner universities, along with representatives from the diplomatic and civil sectors, attended the signing ceremony.
Notably, under the university support component, four Georgian universities were selected for long-term partnership. They will closely collaborate with the Mary Lou Fulton School of Education at Arizona State University, USA. These institutions include Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Akaki Tsereteli State University, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, and St. Andrews Georgian University (SANGU).
Per the agreement, the Mary Lou Fulton School of Education at Arizona State University will provide expert assistance based on international best practices to the academic staff of partner universities for the next four years. This assistance will involve the development of new training courses, strengthening the practical component of schooling, enhancing the teaching and research skills of academic staff, and improving access to modern literature. Moreover, the agreement ensures the involvement of university academic staff and students in local and international partnerships.