Georgia, Tbilisi, July 27 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
The U.S. Agency for International Development completed the U.S. Government's Vocational Education Project (VEP) in Georgia.
The project closing ceremony was held at Icarus Vocational Education Center, one of the schools supported by VEP. The program, primarily funded by the $1 billion pledge of U.S. assistance in fall 2008, included assistance to seven vocational education colleges across the country, as well assistance to the Ministry of Education and Science for progressive reforms in the vocational education system, including market-oriented training, improved curricula, and innovative teaching methods, USAID Georgia reported.
Administered by the USAID, the project has trained more than 5,000 participants in vocations in the construction and tourism sectors. Nearly 70 percent of project graduates found employment at private-sector companies.
U.S. Ambassador John Bass , First Deputy Minister of Education Akaki Seperteladze , USAID / Caucasus Mission Director Jonathan Conly, directors of colleges, representatives of different companies and contractors of the project attended the event.