Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, Mikheil Chkhenkeli met with USAID Mission Director in Georgia - Peter Weibler to discuss the implementation of a $7 million educational program within the framework of the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership. The program will promote literacy, analytical and critical thinking amongst the elementary students. The meeting was attended by First Deputy Minister - Irine Abuladze and Deputy Director of USAID Mission to Georgia - David Hoffman.

Mikheil Chkhenkeli thanked the USAID representatives for the crucial investment that will strengthen the “New School Model” project under the Education Reform. The concept of the model is fully in line with the new USAID program and the development of critical thinking skills among young people using student-centered teaching methods.

At the meeting the parties agreed that the process of implementation of the new educational program will be coordinated.

For his part, USAID Mission Director in Georgia - Peter Wiebler expressed readiness for future cooperation in both vocational education and in strengthening the civic education component at schools.