The Student Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Center at Damascus University is actively implementing a series of training programs designed to enhance the professional readiness of Syrian youth. Launched in 2023, the center aims to bridge the gap between academic outcomes and the evolving demands of the job market by developing students’ professional and entrepreneurial skills and connecting them with employment opportunities.
Bridging the Academic-Professional Divide
Dr. Ahmed Khodr, the center’s director, stated that the primary objective is to close the divide between academic education and labor market requirements. This is achieved through periodic studies to identify market needs, including essential hard and soft skills.
Based on these findings, alongside student feedback and expert opinions, the center develops targeted training programs for students and recent graduates. These programs are continuously evaluated and updated to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with industry developments.
Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Culture
The center focuses on a dual mission: empowering youth by developing their professional and soft skills while simultaneously fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. It guides students toward suitable entrepreneurial paths and provides robust academic and career counseling.
This guidance includes informing students about scholarships, postgraduate studies, and specialized fields. Professionally, the center connects young talent with job opportunities and projects at various companies, implementing joint training programs with industry partners that often lead to direct employment for trainees.
An Inclusive and Collaborative Model
A key focus for the center is the integration of individuals with disabilities into a shared training environment with their peers, promoting social inclusion.
The center’s operational model relies heavily on a volunteer-based workforce and strategic partnerships. It attracts expertise from various sectors by collaborating with associations, developmental institutions, and experts from both within and outside the university. This approach provides students with direct exposure to market professionals and valuable hands-on experience.
Since its launch in the latter half of 2023, the center has successfully delivered over 40 training courses and numerous workshops, benefiting approximately 2,300 students and recent graduates. Looking ahead, it plans to launch 18 new training courses following the upcoming exam period and expand its services through new multi-stakeholder partnerships.
About The Student Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Center
Located at Damascus University, The Student Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Center is a Syrian initiative founded in 2023. Its mission is to prepare students and recent graduates for the workforce by providing targeted training in professional, soft, and entrepreneurial skills. The center collaborates with industry partners to align its programs with current market needs and facilitate employment opportunities for Syrian youth.
Source: SANA
