Dezember 2014 - Februar 2017
The project aims to develop human resources and expert capacity in the field of addictology (trans-disciplinary addiction science) via university-level and lifelong education in Georgia, research and monitoring and qualification framework, which will substantially increase the potential of Georgia to pursue a modern, evidence-based drug policy and thus to tackle the acute problem of drug use and its societal consequences with contemporary knowledge. The project will pursues effective means for the rapid development of the human resources through developing specific education in addictology on the level of (i) BA program and courses, (ii) MA program, and (iii) lifelong learning modules in addictology for addictologists and other professionals in the field, together with building up a sustainable institutional environment for addictology field. The project will prioritize the dissemination of the knowledge and principles of addictology among key stakeholders in Georgia.
The project aims to increase the potential of Georgia to pursue a modern, evidence-based drug policy and thus to tackle the acute problem of drug addiction and its negative consequences by means of developing and implementing MA and BA curricula and a lifelong learning framework in addictology (addiction science). The project substantially broadens the current medical scope of addiction treatment in Georgia with methodological and epistemological perspectives of related disciplines (psychology, social work, law et al.). The project will develop human resources, building on the existing higher education capacities in Georgia and on an innovative, EU-based trans-disciplinary approach.
The project will train teachers for the MA and BA program in addictology, BA level classes to other specialties, and lifelong learning courses for addictologists and other professionals that are servicing substance use agenda (psychologists, social workers, nurses, narcologists, lawyers). At the same time, it will provide a sustainable institutional environment by establishing: (i) a research and monitoring center on drug situation; (ii) a framework of practical training and for lifelong learning, and (iii) quality standards in addictology services.
The main tools of the project will be intense “training of Georgian trainers” in each of the areas of addictology, provided by EU experts based in Czech, Polish, and German universities. This will be done both on a continuous basis (one- or two week courses in Georgia for future trainers) and at Summer Schools in Addictology organized at the EU universities in 2014 and 2015.
The project will create a coherent environment for tackling substance use problems in Georgia via quality education programs, rigorous monitoring and research for evidence-based policy, and focus on quality standards in the newly established field of addictology, same as within the addictology services.
Additionally, the project focuses on building up research, monitoring and evidence base in the drug field according to EU standards. Along with implementing quality standards for addictology services that will be achieved through high level of institutional support the team efforts have gained so far, and upon the research evidence-base, same as upon practice exchange and networking, the project aims at establishing building up trans-disciplinary and inter-sectorial cooperation. It will help Georgia converge to the EU2020 strategy, with a great focus on establishing a quality professional field that will sustain its employment in future years, providing a basis for research into the field of substance use, and, overall, targeting the population of drug users that is at high risk of social exclusion.
Partners:
EU Tempus Programme
