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The ILO is working to help Syria’s youth create a brighter and more stable future for themselves through investing in job creation skills, fostering entrepreneurship and advocating for policy reforms.
DAMASCUS (ILO News) - As Syria navigates a period of economic and social transformation, its young people remain determined to chase their dreams despite facing immense hurdles. Against the backdrop of political instability and a struggling economy, Syrian youth are stepping forward, eager to carve out a sustainable path for their futures. Their voices highlight the urgent need for reforms in education, employment, and skills development.
In an open discussion hosted by the ILO at the Sanad Youth Association in Damascus, young participants candidly shared their experiences and aspirations, while acknowledging the stark realities of the country’s job market. Their stories shed light on systemic gaps but also offer innovative solutions to empower the country’s youth.
Navigating hopes and hardships
For Hadeel Shurbaji, an elementary school teacher with 13 years of experience, the disconnect between education and the professional world is evident.
“I teach, but there’s a clear gap between education and practical skills. Even in schools, there’s little emphasis on quality learning. We need specialized administrations and modern curricula that prepare students for real-world jobs.”
Manar Halal, a business administration student, echoes a similar sentiment: “There’s a vast gap between academic education and market demands. We lack critical practical skills—like languages and technological know-how. Workshops that prepare students for real employment are essential.”
Meanwhile, Maha, a psychology graduate, emphasizes the emotional toll of job insecurity. “We need to break the psychological barriers that hold us back—the fear of an unknown future. A supportive environment is crucial for young people to thrive.”
Despite the challenges, optimism prevails. Maher Suleiman, another participant, sums up the resilience of his peers: “We’re in a transitional phase. Change takes patience and effort, but we must believe in ourselves and our ability to create a better future.”
The job market: A daunting reality
Unemployment remains one of the biggest obstacles in the country, particularly for women. Many young Syrians struggle for years before securing stable work.
Reem Amin, an economics student, shares her frustration: “I tried to build my skills through online courses, but sanctions and limited internet access have made it difficult. Even when we find jobs, the wages barely cover our basic needs, let alone further education.”
Additionally, a significant number of graduates find themselves working in fields unrelated to their studies.
Ahmed Mazawi, a chemical engineering graduate, says: “There are almost no opportunities in my field. I had to take unrelated jobs just to survive. The solution lies in integrating practical training into education and aligning curricula with real job market demands.”
Women also often face wage discrimination.
Rama, an Arabic Literature graduate, notes: “Some companies justify paying men more because they assume men have greater responsibilities, can work longer hours, or handle physically demanding jobs. This contradicts labour laws meant to ensure equal pay for equal work.”
Building a future: Solutions and initiatives
Many young Syrians believe that skills training and entrepreneurial support are key to overcoming these obstacles.
Ahmed Shandin, a management consultant, emphasizes the importance of foresight: “We need to predict which industries will be in demand over the next year and start training youth now. Even simple, well-structured training programs can create vast opportunities. I had to learn independently, but structured guidance would have made the journey much easier.”
For some, entrepreneurship offers an alternative path.
Maryam Safsaf, a design specialist, dreams of starting her own business: “I hope the ILO can offer training on managing small businesses and help us access funding. English courses are too expensive here, yet they are essential for connecting with global markets. We also lack the necessary technology due to power shortages and outdated equipment.”
The ILO’s role in empowering Syrian youth
In collaboration with the Syrian government and labour unions, the ILO is working to support young job seekers through key initiatives to creating decent job opportunities through promoting private sector investment to generate stable, well-paying jobs that meet international standards. It is also enhancing skills development through launching targeted training workshops in high-demand industries, as well as supporting the modernization of education curricula to reflect current labour market needs and encouraging entrepreneurial initiatives. The ILO is also advocating to ensure wage equality through enforcing laws that guarantee fair compensation for all employees, regardless of gender.
A shared vision for a brighter future
During the discussion at the Sanad Youth Association, participants stressed that while challenges persist, collaborative efforts from youth, government authorities, employer and worker representatives and international organizations can contribute to a more stable future for the country’s youth. Syria’s young workforce can benefit from better employment prospects through enhancing skills development, supporting entrepreneurship and promoting policy reforms.