Brazilian Dignitaries, Department of Education Staff
Spend Afternoon on Tri-County Technical College Campus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/26/2000
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Brazilian dignitaries and staff members from the U.S. Department of Education recently spent an afternoon on the Tri-County Technical College campus, hearing presentations about the history of the technical college system and touring labs as part of their overview of South Carolina's education system.

The guests consisted of Brazilians Ruy Berger, secretary for secondary and technological education; Maria Beatriz Gomes da Silva, general coordinator, States Liaison for secondary and postsecondary technological education; and Avelino Romero Simoes, general coordinator for secondary education. Lidice Rivas, binational education coordinator for the Office of Secretary of Education Richard Riley, and Martin Richburg, the secretary's regional representative, were on hand from the Department of Education.

The delegation traveled to the United States to learn about high school reform, math and science improvement and community and technical colleges. The focus was to learn more about school-to-work innovations; how vocational high school and community college faculty they work together to encourage students to continue their education after high school, and about the benefits of the technical colleges' academic and technical courses.

In addition to touring the campus, the group visited Walhalla High School and the Fred P. Hamilton Career Center to get an idea of the community's education system and the good job opportunities that are available in a smaller area, said Ms. Rivas. "They wanted an idea of a student's options after high school if he or she doesn't attend a two- or four-year college."

"Thank you on behalf of Secretary Riley and Terry Peterson," said Ms. Rivas. "It's an honor to showcase Tri-County to our dignitaries who want to learn about your efforts. Secretary Riley and Mr. Peterson have great pride, not only because it is their home state, but also because they are genuinely impressed with your efforts here at Tri-County."

The delegation was "very happy" with their trip and walked away with ideas for the binational meeting, said Ms. Rivas. "They were very impressed with Tri-County's campus, the facilities, the buildings and what the college provides for students in the area."

The group toured the Health Science building and the Machine Tool Technology lab, where they heard a presentations by department heads. "They thought they would just find classrooms," explained Ms. Rivas. "Instead, they saw a state-of-the art medical laboratory and machine tool equipment. It took them by surprise. They thought they would only find that at a four-year college."

The group left Tri-County to travel to Atlanta-a visit that is a prelude to the sixth annual binational meeting with the minister of Brazil and Secretary Riley scheduled for January.
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