QC launches development project to train 540 in Syria

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 27, 2026

Qatar Charity and the Sham Humanitarian Foundation have launched a $11 million project to train 540 vulnerable individuals in northwestern Syria in vocational and digital skills to boost their employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. The initiative addresses high poverty and youth unemployment rates by providing tailored training, startup grants, job placements, and promotional events to help participants achieve economic self-sufficiency.

Qatar Charity (QC), in collaboration with the Sham Humanitarian Foundation, has initiated a development project aimed at training 540 individuals in northwestern Syria to improve their employment and entrepreneurship prospects. Launched in late September, the initiative targets vulnerable populations in Aleppo, Idlib, Jisr al-Shughur, and Al-Amal City in Suran, with a budget exceeding $11 million.

The program, titled “From Training to Empowerment: Towards a Sustainable Career,” addresses the severe economic challenges faced by communities affected by years of conflict. A needs assessment involving 283 local residents found that over 75% of the population in the targeted areas lives below the poverty line, while youth unemployment surpasses 75%.

The project offers a range of vocational, technical, and digital training courses tailored to the needs of the local labor market. Training options include women’s tailoring, candle making, resin crafts, installation and maintenance of solar energy and surveillance systems, mobile phone and computer repair, as well as website design, digital marketing, and graphic design. These courses, lasting between six and ten weeks, are conducted at four vocational and technical centers equipped to meet safety and accessibility requirements.

Participants are divided into two pathways: entrepreneurship and employment. Around 250 individuals receive training on starting and managing small businesses and subsequently receive grants averaging $1,500 to help launch their enterprises. Additionally, beneficiaries receive support for commercial rent over three months. Another 250 participants follow an employment pathway, which links them with job opportunities in approximately 85 private-sector workshops and companies. These trainees also receive a monthly allowance for three months to facilitate their transition into new roles.

To enhance graduates’ visibility and integration into the local economy, the project plans to organize four promotional exhibitions across the targeted areas, allowing participants to display their products and services and engage with customers and the local business community.

Mohammed al-Jaradi, project officer at Qatar Charity’s Turkey office, emphasized the shift in Syria’s humanitarian landscape, noting that the country's needs have evolved beyond emergency aid to focus on building sustainable livelihoods and empowering individuals to achieve self-reliance.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.