It smells like spring in Syria

Ever since their establishment in 2003, private universities in Syria have been viewed with mixed emotions and a varying degree of enthusiasm. Some said that they were inadequate. Others added that they were colorless and lacked competitiveness. Some even described them as immature when compared to regional institutions like the American University of Cairo (AUC) or the American University of Beirut (AUB). Some were even completely opposed to privatization of education, saying that reforming the Syrian University should be a priority, rather than opening new private schools.

In a country that has championed free higher education for all of its citizens ever since its emancipation from Otto-man times, the notion of having to pay in order to learn was revolutionary in itself. Higher education—until now—was simply there, available for everyone. Syrians did not worry about it. The new private universities, with relatively high tuitions, were viewed as for profit commercial entities thriving off the aspirations of students and milking their parents’ treasury. To many, these universities spelled out threat, rather than opportunity.

Four years later, Syria prepares to celebrate its first batch of private university graduates. This means that hundreds of young men and women are now going to put their education, training, capabilities, enthusiasm—and youth—on display in order to help their country move faster with reform. They will join hundreds of private sector enterprises, many of which have mushroomed over the past seven years, that are eager for fresh talent.

It looks like spring in Syria. It smells like spring in Syria. These young men and women--the first of their kind in Syrian history—are marching forward, carrying a new Syrian Flag. It is the Flag of Education.

Over the last few years, I have cone into professional contact with many of these young Syrians. Nearly all of them were willing to work long-hours, often part-time, but mainly as volunteers, in various projects with NGOs. They knew that the world awaiting them outside university was a rough and competitive one. They wanted to be prepared. One could see it. Like most students on the verge of starting a professional life, they showed excitement at what awaits them in the marketplace. Many of them have grand ambitions, and want to continue their graduate studies. Others want to start work immediately. All of them, however, are seemingly—and pleasingly—confident that the future is theirs. They are certain that they will be the ones to make a difference.

Looking at their talent, passion, and character, I cannot but agree with them. They indeed are the ones who will make the difference. These people, however, will need to find employment. They need to find Syrian companies that will hire them, train then, and help them realize their dreams. There is a mutual interest in this. Companies need these young Syrians to modernize, develop, and improve their quality of work. Very sadly, most of the companies in Syria cannot pay these young Syrians salaries similar to the ones they hear about in the Gulf. True, the pay might be less in Syria, but living expenses are more reasonable, although they have been on the rise in recent years. Certain banking facilities, which enable these Syrians to own a car or buy a house, and which for many years, were absent in Syria, are now slowly becoming available. Perhaps this country is still not the ideal place for a young person to start his or her life, but certainly the improved quality of life over the past few years has been remarkable.

The best is yet to come. Sami Moubayed wrote in our February 2007 issue that he asked one of his stu-dents to follow his heart and stay in Syria, rather than take up a job at the United Nations in New York. Sami found it courageous to break away and leave, seeking a better life abroad, but even more courageous to stay behind and “face the music.” His words were warmly received by readers. Some young people, however, said that staying in Syria was an option that simply did not exist because of the un-avoidable military service, and the high wages being offered to them in the Gulf. While I support Sami’s argument, I must add that there is a fundamental role that the private sector should play in order to help these young Syrians stay in Syria.

Fresh graduates are paid in two coins; cash and experience. They need the experience before they move on to higher responsibilities. I am currently involved in both the Syrian Young Entrepreneurs Association (SYEA) and the Institute of Human Resource Management. I know that both are planning joint activities to shed light on the capabilities of these young Syrians, and remind the private sector that they are there.

This is an invitation to all Syrian companies: look out and reach out to the upcoming batch of graduates from private Syrian universities. They will be out there, in the workforce, by summer 2007. They can make a difference for you, and if you help them stay, they can make a difference for Syria.