In collaboration with the Dutch organization "Spark": The Minister of Higher Education discusses ways to develop education in Syria

The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Marwan Al-Halabi, discussed with the Executive Director of the Dutch international organization "Spark", Kristel Boulteman, and the accompanying delegation, mechanisms to enhance joint cooperation in several vital areas.

This came during a meeting held at the ministry's building, where ways to cooperate in "updating curricula and linking them to the labor market, providing educational grants, building capacities, and supporting entrepreneurship" were discussed.

Minister Al-Halabi confirmed that "the meeting represents the beginning of a new cooperation in the upcoming phase, especially in the field of enhancing digital entrepreneurship and supporting technology incubators such as the Digital Innovation Center (DigiT) in Damascus," while exploring "the possibility of establishing similar centers in other governorates."

He also pointed to the importance of cooperation in "the field of technical institutes and technical education by establishing training courses for students and trainers, and developing laboratories and institutes," announcing the formation of "a joint committee for continuous communication and setting a clear roadmap for joint work, ensuring the strengthening of the connection between higher education and the labor market and entrepreneurial incubators."

For her part, Boulteman clarified that the "Spark" organization is "a non-profit organization, working in more than 15 countries around the world, including Syria," expressing her "aspiration to empower Syrian youth and provide scholarships for them, especially for refugees, in addition to vocational training programs that help them participate in rebuilding their country after the war." She emphasized "the organization's commitment to understanding the priorities and needs of the ministry to provide appropriate support."

For his part, the Director of Partnerships and Funding at the Syrian Development Organization (the strategic partner of "Spark" in Syria), Firas Dib, pointed to "the successes achieved by the organization in several countries," noting the "possibility of cooperation with the ministry in developing curricula, integrating students with work centers, and supporting entrepreneurship among youth."

The meeting was attended by the Assistant Minister for Scientific Affairs and Scientific Research, Dr. Ghaith Warkouzq, the Assistant Minister for Student Affairs, Dr. Abdul Hamid Al-Khalid, and the Deputy General Director of the Syrian Development Organization, Raja Hamadeen.

It is noteworthy that the "Spark" organization is an international non-profit organization established in 1994, "concerned with supporting youth, women, and marginalized groups in conflict-affected areas, through scholarships for higher education, vocational training programs, and supporting and developing entrepreneurial projects that contribute to creating job opportunities and enhancing economic and social stability."