In the heart of Raqqa — a city long scarred by war and displacement — a quiet transformation is underway.

It begins not with large machines or major infrastructure, but with something far more powerful: young people learning skills, finding purpose, and building futures.

With support from Creative International through the Agriculture and Livelihoods Stabilization Partnership (ALSP) program, DOZ Syria launched a project to tackle two urgent needs at once: the lack of skilled labor in essential home repair services and the high unemployment rates among youth in post-conflict Northern Syria.

For many youth in Raqqa, daily life has been a struggle for survival. Years of conflict left homes damaged, services disrupted, and jobs scarce. Young men and women — especially those displaced or from low-income households — were left with few opportunities and little hope.

DOZ Syria set out to change that.

The project trained 40 youth (ages 18–35) — both from local host communities and internally displaced families — in vocational skills that are in demand and directly tied to local job markets:

• Home Electrical Repairs
• House Plumbing Installation and Maintenance

Each training class included 20 participants who took part in 20 days of hands-on training, followed by 20 days of apprenticeship at local businesses.

Before starting their apprenticeships, each participant received a starter tool kit, allowing them to learn using the same materials they would later use in the field — and keep them afterward to support their future work.

In the electrical repair class, trainees learned how to:

• Install junction boxes
• Wire lighting systems
• Repair faults in household electric circuits
• Practice safety protocols in home installations

In the plumbing class, trainees focused on:

• Connecting hot/cold water systems
• Installing mixer taps, pipes, and showers
• Detecting and repairing leaks
• Managing house sewage systems and sanitary installations

DOZ partnered with 10 local shops and companies in Raqqa who welcomed trainees for apprenticeship placements. Under the guidance of expert plumbers and electricians, youth were immersed in real work environments — learning how to interact with clients, manage job sites, and apply their skills under pressure.

To encourage participation and sustain the apprenticeship system, DOZ offered modest compensation to host businesses.

Daily field visits ensured quality and provided support throughout the experience.

At the end of the apprenticeships, DOZ offered a 2-day business skills course focused on:

• Budgeting and financial management
• Local market engagement
• Time and client management

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the course was held online — but attendance and participation remained high.

In March 2020, the project wrapped up with a closing ceremony in Raqqa, where participants were honored and given official certificates. Although COVID-19 safety measures limited public gatherings, DOZ ensured that each participant was individually recognized.

What mattered most, however, wasn’t the certificate — it was the confidence, dignity, and hope these young men and women carried with them.

“Before this training, I stood every morning in the laborers’ square hoping someone would hire me — loading food trucks, lifting bags, whatever I could find. But I never knew if I’d earn anything that day.”

– Abdullateef H., Plumbing Apprentice

When Abdullateef heard about the apprenticeship program at DOZ, he hesitated. He thought it might be like other short courses that come and go — no real impact.

But this time was different.

Through the program, he learned real skills in plumbing: how to install sewage systems, fix broken taps, and connect entire water networks. During his apprenticeship, the shop owner was so impressed, he offered him a job.

“Now I go to work every morning with a purpose. I earn, I help my father, and I can think about getting married — building my own life. DOZ changed everything.”

This project was more than a vocational training. It was a bridge — connecting young people to a path of growth, responsibility, and resilience. By creating skilled labor in areas like electricity and plumbing, DOZ also responded to urgent community needs and helped small businesses recover.

Most importantly, it showed what happens when youth are trusted, supported, and given the tools to succeed.

DOZ Syria continues to invest in livelihood programs that empower youth, support communities, and rebuild Syria from the ground up. If you believe in skill-building, resilience, and dignity, get involved:

📧 info@doz.ngo
🌍 www.doz.ngo