USAID

Ambassador Degnan: Georgia's success as a secure, prosperous democracy depends on today's students, and education is the key to their success. Today, we are ...

So I would hope the emphasis in Georgia remains on having a robust, independent media, because it’s so important to any democracy, and certainly to one that is trying to build its institutions as Georgia is right now. Here in Georgia, where you’ve seen a narrowing of the media environment, I think it sends an important message to know that media is supported. This is civil society in the making, and it is impressive to see what these Civics teachers have given to their communities. There was no doubt about that decision, and that was true in Kutaisi, Batumi, Akhalstikhe, and other towns all over this country, where people came out peacefully to say, We want a European future. I’ve seen some of the exhibits here, examples of what students and their teachers have been doing over the last year, and it’s incredibly impressive; they are reaching out to improve their communities to help others in their communities. This is designed to develop active, productive students and citizens who will contribute to making their communities stronger and better all over the country.