As part of a continuing effort to become familiar with the American education system, Adjarian Ministry of Education officials visited the United States for extensive meetings in 1994 and 2000. In addition to developing an acquaintance with the education in the United States, the effort included study of the high level of generally recognized women’s social care.

Officials met with employees of educational system in Savanna, Georgia, and Syracuse, New York. The Adjarian delegation focused not only on the in-school systems, but also obtained an orientation to the way young people spend their time, develop their ambitions and values and form opinions. The visits were sponsored by the International Children’s Aid Fund.

The educators also paid attention to living conditions, religious beliefs and approach to economic possibilities as well as the attitude of the young towards their elders, citizenship positions and creating a sense of self-consciousness through humanistic principles. The role of the parent as an influence on schools and teachers was especially interesting.

Parents are important in developing for the legislative decisions in the U.S. This is a function not only of the financial sources spent on the educational system and on continuing education, but because of the importance of the mass media. All of these elements make it important for adults to be well aware of their rights and duties and respect such feelings as patriotism, kindness, sensitiveness, law supremacy, etc. at early age.

All of these issues combine to provide for mentally and physically disabled children to study alongside healthy students, but with different program, which take account of their physical defects. These programs are completely financed by the State and have a great importance for creating a compassionate human environment. American children are distinguished by modesty and neatness and the educational programs are set up in such a way that besides essential subjects selective disciplines are offered, enabling the gifted to advance at their own level

The Adjarian officials were attracted by the fact that the structure of the American schools are differentiated in several stages. They exist as independent units at the level of elementary, intermediate and final) and at the same time, they are gathered in one building. The initial stage of this method is being realized in Adjara. Generally, Americans pay great attention to creating a healthy environment among students of all ages. Alcohol is forbidden prior to age 21. And there is extensive special education for children with problems.

These experiences from the American educational system will greatly contribute to the current reforms in Adjarian education, and will help as we work to develop new generations for our society.