"I Can, We Can": An Initiative to Promote Youth Employment and Community Empowerment in Syria

Extensive economic reforms in Syria have created both new opportunities and challenges for youth entering the labour market. The Ministry of Education has recognised that Syrian students could greatly benefit from improvements to the existing education system; which does not sufficiently prepare youth with the skills they need to participate and be successful in the modern economy. ICTs have been globally accepted as a component of education that have the ability to enhance and develop these particular skills. Until now, a very large portion of Syrian youth is missing the opportunities that ICTs have to offer. Thus, putting constraints on Syrian economic, cultural and social development and leaving the population at a disadvantage.

As a response, Massar-e proposes a programme entitled "I Can, We Can" to generate, analyse and test data and develop appropriate models for the utilisation of ICT educational applications in fostering the development of key skills and qualifications that can improve employability among Syrian youth, empowering them to actively contribute to their own development, and have a positive impact on the community around them. More specifically it will respond to the following research questions:

• What are the effective models for utilising ICT educational applications in developing qualifications among youth in such a way as to enhance their employability prospects?
• How ICTs can improve the quality of life of local communities through empowering youth to respond to community needs?
• How ICTs can improve the competitiveness of youth in disadvantaged communities, instil a sense of empowerment and increase their economic prospects?