Graduates of the Riyadeh course pose with their professors.
The work of CIPE’s partner the Syrian Economic Forum (SEF) inspires on a daily basis. Formed by small business owners across Syria, this think tank is pushing the envelope every day when it comes to thought leadership in the midst of conflict. From creating space for wrecked Syrian factories to restart their operations and put people back to work, to identifying market opportunities for embattled olive oil producers, SEF works tirelessly to develop solutions that improve the livelihoods of the Syrian people.
It is worth pausing this International Youth Day to reflect especially on SEF’s CIPE-supported work to expand opportunity for the young Syrians affected by the conflict. A new Economic Reform Feature Service article describes our approach, which links entrepreneurship education with the development of crucial civic skills.
Nearly 1,400 young people have now graduated from this intensive program inside Syria and just across the border in Turkey. As you’ll discover, the graduates are putting their newfound skills to work by starting new ventures and building their communities. Our work with SEF will continue by seeking integration of the curriculum at institutional levels, expanding access to learning in-person and online, and fostering networking amongst alumni and linkages with follow-on opportunities.
Read the article here.
Stephen Rosenlund is a Senior Program Officer at the Center for International Private Enterprise.