Building Bridges through Education – Supporting Syria from Germany
Farah Khalifeh is Head of Programme & Public Relations at Abjad Initiative für Bildung e.V. The organisation develops and supports educational and empowerment programmes for young people with a background of migration or displacement, as well as educational initiatives in Syria. In this article, she shares her personal commitment to supporting the reconstruction of Syria.
As a young Syrian woman, I had always wanted to contribute to the future of my home country. When I came to Germany at the age of 23, I discovered the power of a vibrant civil society. Volunteering and collective action became important ways for me to contribute to lasting change. At the same time, I began asking myself: What role can the Syrian diaspora play in the reconstruction of Syria?
'Education is more than the transfer of knowledge – it empowers people, strengthens social participation and lays the foundation for long-term development.'
I was involved in various initiatives and was looking for an opportunity where I could channel my energy into something that aligned with my values and vision. Becoming a mother marked a particularly important turning point for me. The responsibility I felt towards the next generation made me reflect even more deeply on the contribution I wanted to make to society. Through the Abjad Initiative for Education, I eventually found a community of people who shared my conviction: education is more than the transfer of knowledge – it empowers people, strengthens social participation and lays the foundation for long-term development.
Today, the Abjad initiative for education sees itself as an educational organisation and a bridge-builder between Syria and Germany. Together with volunteers, professionals and local stakeholders, we develop educational and empowerment programmes in Germany while also promoting access to education for children and young people in Syria. Our aim is to empower individuals, unlock their potential and foster the exchange of knowledge and experience across borders.
A particularly telling example of the impact of our work is the Qussai Scholarship. Originally set up with the aim of supporting young people in their educational journey, the programme has evolved into far more than just financial support. For us, Qussai is far more than just a scholarship programme – it is a bridge between the Syrian diaspora and young people in Syria, facilitating mentoring, the exchange of knowledge and shared responsibility for Syria’s future. The young people receiving support are not seen as passive recipients of assistance, but as active agents of change and key contributors to shaping the future of their society.
About Abjad Initiative for education e.V.
Abjad Initiative is an independent, non-profit organization committed to empowering children and youth through innovative, community-driven educational programs. Built on the belief that education is the foundation for a healthier and more progressive society, Abjad collaborates with professionals from diverse backgrounds to design impactful learning experiences that inspire positive change and long-term development.
These experiences have shown me that sustainable reconstruction cannot be achieved through material assistance alone. It emerges when people take responsibility, share knowledge and learn from one another. This is precisely where I see the long-term role of the Syrian diaspora: as a bridge-builder that brings together experience, expertise and networks to help create prospects for Syria’s future in close collaboration with local communities.
Get involved
Are you involved in an initiative, an organisation or a project supporting the reconstruction of Syria? If so, we would be delighted to feature your story and highlight your work on this page as well.
These portraits showcase the many ways in which the Syrian diaspora is making a difference, while sharing personal experiences and bringing people together.
If you would like to present your initiative, please do get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you at Neuanfang-Syrien@giz.de with the subject line “Spotlight on Diaspora Engagement”.
