How George Soros Saved Soviet Scientists and Teachers And What America Can Learn From The Experience

Beginning in 1988, American financier and philanthropist George Soros established in the USSR the charitable foundation “Cultural Initiative” and in 1992 he allocated more than $100 Million for the activity of his new organization – The International Science Foundation (ISF) that functioned in all countries of the Former Soviet Union. In 1994, he decided to support the whole system of education (both high school and university levels) in Russia and several other countries. He allocated more than $109 Million for this International Soros Science Education Program (ISSEP). The grants through the ISF and the ISSEP were given to more than 190,000 scientists and teachers. These grants offered them not only financial means but brought the hope that they could carry on their creative work. Many new mechanisms of charitable activity were developed to fulfill the goals of all these foundations. These mechanisms might be used in other countries including the USA. The author of the book who participated in these foundations describes the history of the whole work based on the archives and his personal memory. He analyses the situation with science and education in these countries and the role of George Soros in the support of the ideals of Open Society in these countries.