Sowing Knowledge, Sowing Hope for Drug Rehabilitation Learners in Gia Lai

	Vietnam, US Strengthen Collaborative Efforts to Combat Drug Crimes
	Vietnam, Thailand Cooperate in Combating Drug Trafficking

According to the Ministry of Public Security’s official information portal, since early April 2025, after taking over the management of the drug rehabilitation center from the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, the Drug Crime Investigation Division of Gia Lai Provincial Police has organized a literacy class for 21 learners who were unable to read or write.

Lieutenant Colonel Dang Xuan Toan, Head of the Center, stated: “If we do not take early action to address illiteracy, it will undoubtedly hinder the delivery of political and ideological education, the Party’s guidelines, and the State’s laws, as well as the overall effort to raise awareness among the learners. Opening a literacy class for drug addicts is not only a humane endeavor, but also a clear demonstration of innovation in the drug rehabilitation work conducted by the Gia Lai Provincial Police.”

Major Vo Thi Diem Phuc guides learners with their assignments. (Photo: Ministry of Public Security)

The class is held consistently each day, taught directly by staff at the facility. Major Vo Thi Diem Phuc, one of the teachers, shared: “To make the lessons easier to understand, we had to study teaching methods from educators on YouTube and then adapt them to suit our learners.” Although not formally trained in pedagogy, the staff have made great efforts to improve their teaching skills with a single goal in mind: for the learners to absorb knowledge and open new doors for their future.

In this class, student H.V.N. (39 years old, from Kho Roa village, Ia Hru commune) diligently practices his handwriting. Since entering the facility in March 2025, he has learned to read, write short paragraphs, and perform simple arithmetic. “I never got to attend school as a child and later got involved in drugs due to bad influences. Learning to read and write is harder than digging the earth, but the officers encouraged me, so I kept trying. When I return to my village, knowing how to read and write will help me with business and lead a better life,” he said.

Another learner, T.X.T. (born in 1982), also shared: “Because I was illiterate, I lacked understanding and was easily drawn into addiction. Now I can write, read newspapers and books, seek out information for myself, and improve my awareness.”

Currently, 17 out of 21 learners in the class are from ethnic minority groups, many with limited cognitive development. In addition to regular class hours, the officers also provide extra tutoring sessions in the evenings and on weekends. Thanks to these efforts, all learners can now read, write, and perform basic calculations. Some have even been able to write letters to their families.

Lieutenant Colonel Dang Xuan Toan added that in the near future, the Center will coordinate with educational institutions to gradually introduce a primary education program for learners during their treatment period. At the same time, efforts will be intensified to promote legal education and political and ideological awareness, helping learners better understand the harms of drug use, strengthen their determination to reintegrate into society, and avoid relapse.

Which Laws Go Into Effect on January 1, 2022 in Vietnam? Six laws take effect since Jan. 1, 2022

Vietnam Donates 1000 Doses Of Drug Addiction Treatment Medicine To Laos On February 21, at Cau Treo international border gate (Ha Tinh), Vietnamese representatives of the Ministry of Health donated 1,000 doses of Bong Sen drug ...