In July 2026, we completed a series of Communication and Public Speaking Capacity Building workshops across Damascus, Homs, Hama, and Aleppo, reaching over 80 Syrian university students through a structured, two-day training program at each location. The workshops were run in collaboration with Sanad Youth for Development and Dandashi Group.
The initiative, part of Jusoor's Scholarships Program, was designed to address a gap that many Syrian students face: limited access to interactive learning environments where English-language communication, critical thinking, and public speaking skills can be practiced and developed alongside academic study.
The workshops kicked off in Damascus, where two training cycles were held, the first on July 4 and 5, and the second on July 8, reaching students across two separate groups in the capital. The program then moved to Homs on July 11 and 12, followed by Hama on July 15 and 16, and concluded in Aleppo on July 19 and 20.
What the Program Covered
Each two-day training brought together students for a range of hands-on learning experiences. Workshops opened with storytelling and personal expression exercises, designed to build confidence and ease participants into structured speaking. From there, students moved into debate simulations, learning how to construct arguments, gather evidence, and engage in respectful rebuttal — skills that translate directly into academic and professional life.
Public speaking practice formed a core part of the program, with participants working on speech structure, vocal delivery, body language, and audience engagement. Literary interpretation and improvisation exercises added a creative dimension, encouraging spontaneous communication and creative problem-solving. Each training concluded with a capstone presentation, where participants spoke individually on a topic of their choice and received structured feedback from both the facilitator and their peers.
The workshops were facilitated by Eric DiMichele, Director of Community Engagement at Regis High School, who volunteered his time and expertise to deliver the program. His approach throughout was participatory and practice-based, combining guided instruction with space for students to reflect, experiment, and grow.
By the end of the program, participants had practiced expressing ideas with greater clarity and confidence, applying critical thinking in dialogue, using persuasive communication techniques, and engaging respectfully with diverse perspectives. Many were also introduced to guided research methods and the ethical use of digital and AI tools as learning support.
Impact on Students
Success in higher education and the transition into meaningful careers requires more than academic performance. For Syrian youth navigating complex educational and professional landscapes, the ability to communicate effectively, present ideas with confidence, and engage constructively with others are not soft skills only; they are core competencies. This initiative reflects Jusoor's commitment to holistic support that goes beyond academic access, equipping students with the personal and professional capabilities they need for long-term success.
Here is some feedback the participants shared about the workshop:
“I found a wealth of essential information, supported by examples and detailed explanations from the professor, something I truly appreciated. The interactive training environment was excellent, and the investor-attraction activity was particularly useful.
I really liked how we analyzed the fundamentals of a successful speech through the three pillars: ethos, pathos, and logos. I also enjoyed the dramatic scenario activity; I learned a great deal from my peers' experiences and from watching them embody their characters through their tone of voice and body language.” A dentistry student in Hama.
“The first thing I found useful is practical training; trying to express yourself, your ideas, and even trying to be someone else was great to know how to speak, convince people, and get their attention by the power of speech. For me, as a person who wants to be an entrepreneur, the Shark Tank challenge was very helpful. It's different from watching Shark Tank and taking notes, thinking of other people's businesses in the eye of an entrepreneur, finding their weaknesses, defending my own business idea, and putting me in the shoes of a real entrepreneur attempting to sell their product.” – IT engineering Student from Homs.
“The most valuable part of the workshop was the practical approach. Instead of only learning theories, we practiced public speaking, storytelling, and organizing ideas through real exercises and immediate feedback. I also found the structured speech framework very useful because it helped me present my thoughts in a clear, logical, and persuasive way. Most importantly, the workshop gave me more confidence to speak in English in front of an audience and communicate my ideas effectively.” – Architecture Student in Hama.
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