Damascus-Sana
Today, the European Institute for Cooperation and Development organized an event to introduce a number of pilot projects funded by the "Bridges for Entrepreneurship" program at the Al-Assad National Library in Damascus.
The event included an introductory presentation on the “Bridges” program, which was launched by the European Institute in cooperation with the United Nations Children's Fund “UNICEF” and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and a number of NGOs since 2016 in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs and Tartous, during which a number of training courses on the basics of entrepreneurship were implemented. Business, accounting, marketing and presentation skills benefited 2,600 male and female university students, persons with disabilities, and those with skills and trades.
In her speech, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Dr. Salwa Abdullah, indicated that improving livelihoods is not only through material or in-kind assistance, but rather through providing people with knowledge and ways to implement projects of their own that contribute to improving their incomes and making them active, productive and influential members of society, noting the efforts of the European Institute in terms of Knowledge, technical and financial support to achieve entrepreneurship projects, which are considered one of the most successful methods of support for individuals.
The representative of the European Institute in Syria, Nidal Al-Bitar, stated in his speech that the "Bridges" program has succeeded over four years by financing 284 pioneering projects implemented by 643 young men and women, 35 of which participated in the Al-Bassel Exhibition for Creativity and Invention, 14 projects on external platforms, and 3 projects nominated for the United Nations Education Organization Award And science and culture "UNESCO".
Al-Bitar pointed out that the "Bridges" program was able to transfer the ideas of the beneficiaries to the stage of implementation on the ground, and they have their own projects, and it is their responsibility now to be bridges to support and help others, stressing that today's event aims to help entrepreneurs to communicate and network with the participating attendees from the sector. Private and public.
In a speech by local NGOs participating in the program, the Executive Director of Sanad Foundation for Development pointed out that the "Bridges" program was able to effectively embody the concept of fruitful participation through cooperation between governmental and civil agencies and international organizations, in addition to creating real opportunities for youth creativity and skills.
During the event, 17 young men and women gave direct presentations of the success stories of 12 projects that they worked on transforming them from an idea into a reality after being funded by the "Bridges" program. The event included an exhibition of technical prototypes funded by the program, which are 20 medical, engineering and agricultural projects and handicrafts.
Inas Svan
