On June 19, 2013, USAID Mission Director, Stephen M. Haykin signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) USAID and IFES’ six new partner universities in Georgia. The MOU will set the framework for the introduction of the IFES-developed civic education course, “Democracy and Citizenship,” that will be offered at these universities from 2013 onward. This innovative course was first unveiled in 2011; by fall 2013, the course will be offered at 20 universities throughout Georgia.

The course is designed to strengthen students’ understanding of civic responsibility and encourage their participation in public life. The class covers government systems, human rights, civil society and civic participation.

This initiative is part of USAID’s Increased Trust in the Electoral Process (ITEP) project, implemented by IFES.