As we begin 2026, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on where we are with our initiative, Bridges to Syria, what we have been building over the past months, and where we are heading in the year ahead.
Bridges to Syria continues to take shape as a long-term effort to support education, knowledge exchange, and economic opportunity inside Syria. 2025 marked several important milestones that serves as the stepping stone for us to expand our work inside Syria, and in 2026 will bring new initiatives that build on this momentum.
At the end of December, we hosted the Bridging Science Forum in collaboration with the Syrian Science Council at Idlib University. This Syrian scientific initiative that brings together academics from within Syria and abroad to create a shared space for dialogue, exchange of experiences, and support for the development of the academic and research landscape in line with the requirements of the current phase and reconstruction. The forum included a series of lectures and interactive workshops presented by a select group of Syrian academics, in a space aimed at strengthening academic communication and building bridges of knowledge between those inside and outside Syria.
We have conducted a Student Needs and Priorities Assessment completed by 98 participants, which highlighted financial constraints, limited access to academic resources, and gaps in educational and career guidance as the main challenges facing students. Respondents identified English language proficiency, research skills, digital competencies, and critical thinking as top priorities for academic and labor market success, alongside the need for greater access to practical training and mentorship. Qualitative responses reflected strong aspirations toward higher education and research, as well as a clear desire to contribute to Syria’s recovery, underscoring the demand for continued academic exchange and capacity-building initiatives.
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The First of Three Teacher Trainings in Syria
The first in a series of three teacher trainings we are hosting around Syria, in partnership with the Molham Team, took place in Harasta, Damascus, this month. Thirty teachers participated in the three-day training, which was conducted by our Head of Refugee Education, Suha Tutunji; our Academic Coordinator, Tanya Nammour; and Jusoor’s Syria Education Coordinator, Jihad Khisania, to enhance teaching practices and support student well-being. Some of the topics covered included classroom management, Social and Emotional Learning, assessment, and critical thinking. Thanks to the Asfari Foundation's support, a grant maker aimed at empowering communities, nurturing leaders, and creating an equitable world, we will also be conducting this training in two other regions around Syria, aiming to reach 200 teachers in total.
What’s Coming Next
Looking ahead, several initiatives will be shared in more detail very soon.
In Q1, we will be launching the full details of the Launchpad program, a joint initiative between Startup Syria and Jusoor. The Launchpad is an investment-readiness residency designed to support high-potential Syrian startups that are ready to move beyond early traction toward structured growth and investment. The program responds to a persistent gap in the ecosystem, where promising founders with validated ideas often lack legal structuring, investment readiness, and access to regional capital networks. More information will be shared soon.
In addition, we will be launching our Ramadan campaign next week, focused on supporting orphaned students inside Syria through a high school scholarship program. This initiative aims to ensure that orphaned students are not forced to choose between continuing their education and supporting their families. By supporting their educational and basic needs, we are working to keep students in school and open pathways toward long-term social mobility.
You can read more about this upcoming campaign here, with additional details to follow soon.
As we move through 2026, Bridges to Syria is set to grow and lay the building blocks for long-term strategic projects and opportunities for Syrian children and youth inside Syria.
