Bridges to Syria: A New Chapter for Jusoor

We are thrilled to share with you the launch of Bridges to Syria, an initiative that represents a defining moment for Jusoor and our broader community. This is not just an update—it is the beginning of an evolving journey where we, together, can explore what the future of Syria could look like.

The recent shifts in Syria’s landscape have created a renewed sense of possibility. Since December 8, the board of directors has been holding weekly discussions, engaging with education programs' leads, and key external partners to assess the evolving landscape. We have met with other non-profits actively working inside Syria, continuously engaging with the community to gather, collect, and learn from various stakeholders. These meetings have helped us gain logistical insights, evaluate the ongoing legal and operational landscape, and explore potential collaborations. We have also been mapping the gaps in education and economic development, ensuring that our findings are informed by real needs and perspectives on the ground. For years, we have stood firm in our commitment to Syrian youth, and as circumstances evolve, we believe this is the right time to open a meaningful dialogue on the role we can play. Bridges to Syria is not about presenting a pre-made plan; rather, it is an open channel for sharing insights, gathering knowledge, and collectively imagining new opportunities.

The time has come to reflect on how we, as Syrians and supporters of Syria, can contribute meaningfully to education and economic opportunities. As Jusoor has been building bridges connecting the community around the globe, we now want to focus on our main bridge—one that leads toward Syria itself, strengthening our role in the country’s future. Bridges to Syria is about more than just a response to recent developments; it is a proactive effort to engage our scholars, alumni, and supporters in a dialogue that will help us understand, discuss, and shape the ideas necessary for Syria’s future. It is a commitment to staying informed, engaged, and proactive while Syria undergoes profound changes, ensuring that our efforts align with the needs of the people on the ground and the aspirations of our broader community.

What You Can Expect:

• Regular updates and roundups, sharing key findings and discussions from our ongoing engagement.
• Voices from our community, including scholars, educators, and youth, sharing their insights and aspirations.
• Opportunities for involvement, whether through discussions, idea-sharing, or future initiatives.

Key Takeaways So Far:

Findings and Insights

• Education remains the most pressing concern, with returning students facing immense curriculum challenges and severe learning disruptions due to prolonged displacement.
• The evolving economic landscape presents both opportunities and risks in funding educational efforts, with fluctuating access to international aid and investment.
• Private universities and NGOs are increasingly exploring ways to establish programs inside Syria to support education and training, though logistical and regulatory hurdles remain significant.
• Syrian youth inside and outside the country are eager to contribute to rebuilding efforts, and there is a growing demand for structured mentorship and skill-building programs.
• Digital education and remote learning solutions are being explored, but infrastructure limitations, including inconsistent internet access and electricity shortages, pose significant barriers.
• Mental health and psychosocial support remain critical unmet needs, as many students continue to experience trauma from years of instability and displacement.
• The need for vocational and workforce training has been repeatedly highlighted, with efforts being made to develop skill-based learning programs that align with the economic needs of Syria.
• Collaborative partnerships with NGOs and international institutions will be vital in ensuring that education and economic development efforts are scalable and sustainable.

Ongoing Discussions

• How can Jusoor play an active role without overextending its capacity, and what should our primary areas of focus be?
• Should we explore policy engagement, lobbying for more structured reforms in education and economic development, or focus solely on practical implementation?
• How can we create sustainable collaborations with existing efforts inside Syria, ensuring we complement rather than duplicate initiatives?
• What role can digital education and remote learning play in reaching underserved communities, and how can infrastructure barriers be mitigated?
• How can we ensure that education efforts inside Syria are aligned with international accreditation standards, allowing students to continue their studies abroad if necessary?
• What role can Syrian diaspora professionals play in shaping and contributing to the education and economic sectors inside Syria?
• How can we help facilitate the reintegration of displaced youth into Syria’s academic and professional landscape in a way that fosters long-term stability and opportunity?
• Should Jusoor engage in building new educational institutions or focus on strengthening and expanding existing ones?

Bridges to Syria is our new chapter, building a bridge to home. With each step forward, we are weaving together the aspirations of a scattered people, reconnecting hope with opportunity. This next chapter is not ours alone; it belongs to our entire community, to those who will help shape it, and to those who will benefit from it. We embark on this path with high hopes, knowing that together, we can redefine what is possible.

We are launching this effort publicly because we believe in the power of collective wisdom. The future of Syria cannot be shaped behind closed doors—it must be a conversation, open to all who care, all who dream, and all who believe in the potential of education and opportunity. To foster this dialogue, we are creating a dedicated webpage and a form where you can share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback. Your voice will help guide our next steps, ensuring this initiative remains transparent, inclusive, and deeply connected to the realities on the ground.

Together, we can build the future that Syria deserves.

Warm regards,
Jusoor Leadership & Team