Affiliations: [a] Independent Consultant HIV/AIDS, New Delhi, Union Territory, India
| [b] Sankalp Rehabilitation Trust, Topiwala lane Municipal School, Opp. Lamington Road Police Station, Grant Road (E), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| [c] Independent Consultant, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| [d] La Trobe – Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: G. Reid, Independent Consultant HIV/AIDS, New Delhi, Union Territory, India. Tel.: +91 11 9873032962; E-mail: garyangola@yahoo.com.au.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research into education and skill development of drug users to facilitate social and economic inclusion has not previously occurred in India. OBJECTIVE: This paper examines education and skill development in government, NGO and private drug treatment and rehabilitation facilities of India. METHODS: A mapping exercise was undertaken to identify drug treatment and rehabilitation facilities. A total of 119 responses received and one-third of drug users were described as illiterate or had achieved primary school only. RESULTS: The majority of facilities did not provide basic education but virtually all provided HIV and drug education. A majority of facilities did not provide vocational education and livelihood skills and referrals to others for education and skills development were not common. CONCLUSION: To ensure and promote the social and economic re-integration of drug users into the community the provision of vocational education and skill development opportunities compatible with the needs of the society should be encouraged.
Keywords: Education, skill development, drug treatment, India
