Raqqa, Syria – In a region deeply scarred by years of war and displacement, hope is being rebuilt—not just through aid, but through knowledge, skills, and the courage of a new generation. From 2022 to 2024, DOZ Syria, in partnership with DOZ e.V. Germany and with generous funding from BMZ and Save the Children, launched a groundbreaking three-year initiative titled:

This multisectoral project combined Protection, Livelihoods, and Education to create lasting, sustainable change in the lives of young Syrians, especially those displaced by war, living in poverty, or struggling to find a future.

The goal was clear: equip youth with the tools to protect themselves, rebuild their futures, and contribute to their communities. The project targeted young men and women aged 14–24, offering:

• Vocational Training in professions aligned with local labor market needs
• Basic Education in literacy, numeracy, and English
• Protection Services including psychosocial support, youth clubs, and life skills
• Grants & Apprenticeships to help start small businesses

Over three years, 500 youth participated in intensive three-month vocational training courses in:

• Electrical wiring and home repairs
• Sewing and tailoring
• Hairdressing
• Men’s barbering

Training was conducted in fully equipped centers in Raqqa under skilled instructors. Every participant received toolkits to support their hands-on learning and long-term employment.

Many of the youth—especially young women—never had a chance to attend or finish school. The project bridged that gap with:

• Literacy and Numeracy classes
• Basic English courses
• Educational support for youth unable to join formal training

Special sessions were also held for caregivers and community influencers to promote the value of youth education and inclusion.

After classroom training, youth joined three-month apprenticeships with local shops—barber salons, tailoring workshops, electrical repair services—gaining real-world experience.

For many, the project didn’t stop at learning. 174 small business grants were awarded to participants ready to start their own ventures. By the end of the project:

• 84 new shops or salons opened across Raqqa
• Others started home-based work to support their families
• 94% of grant recipients successfully launched and sustained their micro-businesses

The project wasn’t only about jobs. It also provided space for healing.

• Psychosocial support sessions
• Life skills workshops
• Youth clubs and awareness campaigns
• Community-led initiatives
• Dedicated activities for youth with disabilities

These helped youth process trauma, rebuild confidence, and develop healthy social relationships.

One of the most powerful stories came from Maha Khaled Al-Ibrahim, a displaced woman from Ras al-Ain.

“I was pregnant, living in a small home with three families. I didn’t know how I would raise my baby. DOZ taught me to sew. I learned, I received a grant, and I started my own business in one room of our house. Now I help feed my children and support my family.”

Maha’s story reflects the core of this project: resilience, determination, and transformation.

• 500 youth trained in practical professions
• 3 training centers equipped and operational in Raqqa
• 226 youth completed apprenticeships in real workplaces
• 174 small businesses launched through micro-grants
• Literacy support for dozens of youth not yet ready for training
• Education + Protection for children as young as 14
• Over 1,000+ people impacted through direct and indirect activities

This project stands as a model for integrated, community-based recovery in Syria. By connecting education, protection, and livelihoods, DOZ Syria helped hundreds of young people find not just a job—but a voice, a purpose, and a path forward.

"When we teach a young person to believe in themselves, we don't just give them a skill. We give them a future," said a DOZ trainer in Raqqa.

📩 Get in Touch 💖 Donate Today | 🤝 Partner With Us

🔗 #DOZSyria #YouthEmpowerment #VocationalTraining #Raqqa #EducationForAll #Livelihoods #ProtectionMatters #BMZ #SaveTheChildren