On July 24, 2023, the USAID Rule of Law Program-invited U.S. judge Peggy Walker visited the Development and Employment Center (EDEC), where she engaged in an extended exchange with the 35 enthusiastic young minds gathered there.

The primary objective of the meeting was to familiarize the youth with the American approach to human rights protection, youth participation, the justice system, education, employment, and fostering a secure environment for youth. Judge Walker is conducting a long-term mission in Georgia, and her distinguished 30-year background in handling juvenile justice cases in the State of Georgia brought a wealth of expertise to the table, adding depth and substance to the discussion.

The session was structured in a question-and-answer format, allowing the EDEC members to freely inquire about human rights protection, explore popular professions in America, gain insights into Judge Walker's personal experiences throughout her career, and understand the challenges she encountered along her path.

The participants left the gathering with a renewed sense of purpose, expressing their aspiration to leverage the knowledge gained during the encounter to contribute actively to the development of Kutaisi. The impact of this remarkable meeting will reverberate through the lives of these young individuals, encouraging them to step forward to champion justice, foster education, and make a lasting difference in the world around them.