Damascus, April 19 (SANA) Head of the Damascus Chamber of Industry Mohammad Ayman al-Molawi discussed with a delegation from the Italian international organization AVSI ways to bridge the gap between educational curricula and the needs of the industrial labor market, with the participation of Sawsan al-Harastani, Director of Vocational and Technical Education at the Ministry of Education.
During the meeting, held Sunday at the chamber’s headquarters in Damascus, al-Molawi highlighted the challenges facing the industrial sector, particularly the shortage of skilled labor in several vital professions.
He said the reconstruction phase requires young cadres with advanced technical skills, making it necessary to modernize educational curricula in line with technological development and the needs of different industrial sectors.
For her part, al-Harastani said the Ministry of Education is working to activate the national committee for dual education, with the aim of developing a model that combines theoretical study with practical training.
She added that studies are being conducted to identify the professions that should be included in this system in line with labor market needs.
AVSI National Director Amal al-Ahmar said the organization is preparing studies for integrated projects to be submitted to the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, aimed at supporting vocational and dual education in Syria.
She said the organization seeks to contribute to curriculum development and provide technical and advisory expertise in line with market requirements.
Participants also discussed several proposals to strengthen this approach, including organizing visits for vocational school students to industrial facilities, involving teaching staff in exhibitions and events, raising awareness of the importance of vocational education, and improving coordination among relevant institutions.
The two sides agreed to hold a specialized meeting with industrialists from different sectors, beginning with the textile sector, to identify actual needs in terms of professions and skills as a basis for launching joint projects that support vocational education and better connect it to the labor market.
Founded in 1972, AVSI works in development cooperation and humanitarian assistance in more than 40 countries, with a focus on education, human dignity, empowerment and emergency response.
Kh.A
