The objective of the education department is strengthened capacities of decision makers, professional and associations regarding the principles, knowledge and practices for working with marginalized communities and promotion of their rights.
Strengthening capacities of citizens’ associations and informal groups
To date, HOPS has participated in the capacity building processes of all 11 associations that implement harm reduction or CSW support programs in Macedonia, as well as organizations from Monte Negro, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania etc.
More than 100 people from the communities of users and sex workers have been educated for representation of their rights.
Strengthening capacities of the professional staff from institutions and decision makers
In the last 15 years HOPS has organizes over 100 trainings for professionals working on topics related to the work of the organization. These trainings have been attended by over 500 people – social workers, physicians, psychiatrists, infection specialists, medical nurses, psychologists, policemen.
Also, a large number of trainings have been carried out targeting decision makers in appropriate ministries and in local self-governments, as well as trainings for journalists towards the appropriate notification about topics related to drugs, sex work, HIV/AIDS and human rights.
Education of students and young professional staff
The education of young professional staff, above all students, is a special priority of the organization, and in that direction, HOPS has developed cooperation with several faculties for education of students via offering internships or volunteering in the organization. Up to now ca. 200 students have benefited from this cooperation.
Summer dependences school
Since 2012, HOPS has been organizing the first summer dependences school in the Republic of Macedonia. This seven-day summer school offers a multi-disciplinary approach towards learning about drug addiction, an approach which takes into consideration social, medical and political questions. The purpose of the summer school is to educate young professional staff working in areas related to drug dependences. The school particularly focuses on drug policy models, evidence based treatments, harm reduction, psychosocial support and the concept of human rights of drug users.
The school is attended by graduates and students from final years of studies from: The Center for social work and social policies within Faculty of Philosophy in Skopje; Faculty of Law within the University „Ss. Cyril and Methodius“ in Skopje; Medical faculty within the University „Ss. Cyril and Methodius“ in Skopje; Faculty of security within the University „Ss. Cyril and Methodius“ in Bitola; postgraduates at these universities and young professional workers who already work in the field of addictions.
Study visits
HOPS has organized and was the host of a large number of study groups for professional staff from Ministries, Institutions, Associations of citizens, both from Macedonia and from other countries – Russia, Ukraine, Belorussia, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Monte Negro etc.