The global technology sector is short on talent, and Syrian youth are ready to fill that gap. By 2030, the world could face a shortage of more than 85 million skilled workers, according to a Korn Ferry analysis, a gap that translates into real openings for anyone with the right training and support. At the same time, youth unemployment across the Middle East and North Africa stood at 24.4 percent in 2023, according to the International Labour Organization, nearly double the global average. For Syrian youth navigating displacement, language barriers, and restricted work permits, that gap between global demand and local opportunity can feel impossible to close. We see it differently. Coding and technology careers do not require relocation, a specific university major, or years of prior experience. They require structured training, mentorship, and a first connection to the right employer, exactly what our programs are built to provide. This blog explores how we are building coding and tech career pathways for Syrian youth, from early digital literacy to full-time software engineering roles.
Key insights covered in this blog:
- The technology sector offers Syrian youth a path around barriers such as work permits and geographic displacement, since much of the work can be done remotely
- We introduce coding and digital literacy early, through programs like Future Skills, so young people build confidence with technology well before they enter the job market
- Jusoor Elkom connects trained young people directly with employers seeking remote talent, without requiring them to leave their communities
- Mentorship, community, and entrepreneurship support round out a full pathway, from a first line of code to a sustainable career
Why Tech Careers Are a Path Forward for Syrian Youth
Technology work solves a problem that has followed Syrian youth for more than a decade, which is that talent and opportunity are rarely in the same place. Since the conflict in Syria began, millions of Syrian youth have grown up in Lebanon, Jordan, Türkiye, and Iraq, often without the legal right to work locally in their field of study. Remote technology roles remove that constraint entirely. A software developer in Beirut or Amman can write code for a company in Berlin or Dubai without ever needing a work permit. Demand supports this shift as well. Research on the digital skills gap across the Middle East and North Africa found that employers in lower-income markets, including Lebanon and Jordan, are actively hiring for JavaScript, Git, and object-oriented programming skills, while regional hiring rates in information technology continue to climb. Through our Career Development Program, we are building the pathways that connect Syrian talent to that demand, equipping learners with the technical and professional skills employers are already looking for.
Building the Foundation: Coding and Digital Literacy from an Early Age
A tech career does not begin with a first job. It begins with a young person's first encounter with a line of code or a robotics kit. Through Future Skills, we introduce Syrian adolescents to coding and robotics using block-based programming languages and Microbit hardware, alongside critical thinking and English language instruction. This early foundation matters because it builds the confidence and curiosity that later carry learners into structured technical training. Some of that inspiration comes full circle. RobotX, a coding and robotics education startup for children, was founded by two young entrepreneurs who came through our Entrepreneurship Program, and now delivers coding, artificial intelligence, and game development activities as part of Future Skills. It is a clear example of how one cohort of talented young people can go on to build opportunities for the next.
Beyond Coding: Remote Work, Mentorship, and Entrepreneurship
Technical skill alone does not guarantee a job. Syrian youth also need direct connections to employers, guidance through the hiring process, and a community that keeps them moving forward. Jusoor Elkom addresses the first need, matching trained Syrian and Levantine youth aged 18 to 30 with international employers seeking remote talent in fields ranging from digital marketing to software development, while we guide employers through remote onboarding and management. Our Career Mentorship Program pairs participants with experienced professionals over three months to build resumes, LinkedIn profiles, portfolios, and interview skills, the practical tools that turn technical training into an actual job offer. Our Talent Community then keeps that momentum going, connecting software developers, designers, and other young professionals with job listings, peer support, and ongoing opportunities. For those with an entrepreneurial streak, our Entrepreneurship Program has trained more than 2,400 entrepreneurs since 2014, supporting founders who are building their own technology ventures rather than joining an existing one. Together, these programs mean a young person's tech journey with us does not end at a training certificate. For a practical look at getting started, our guide on finding a remote job from Syria walks through exactly what employers look for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tech career pathways does Jusoor offer for Syrian youth?
We offer a full range of pathways, including early coding and robotics education through Future Skills, remote job placement through Jusoor Elkom, and mentorship through our Career Mentorship Program and Talent Community.
Can Syrian youth build a tech career without relocating abroad?
Yes. Remote work is central to our approach. Our program Jusoor Elkom connects Syrian youth directly with international employers, allowing them to earn competitive income while remaining with their families and communities.
Are these tech programs open to young women?
Yes. We actively encourage the participation of young women across our technology programs.
How can I support or get involved in these programs?
You can support this work by exploring how to donate to Jusoor, by learning more about our scholarship opportunities for Syrian students pursuing degrees in computer science and related fields, or by joining our Talent Community if you are a young Syrian professional seeking your own pathway into tech.
Conclusion
The global technology sector needs talent, and Syrian youth have the skills, determination, and adaptability to meet that need, provided they have a genuine pathway to reach it. From a child's first coding lesson through Future Skills, to a remote job secured through Jusoor Elkom, we are building that pathway one stage at a time. If you would like to help us open more doors for Syrian youth in technology, donate to Jusoor or explore our scholarship program to support the next generation of Syrian engineers, developers, and innovators.
