Damascus – Human Aid and Development (HAND) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Taha Group, a leading Turkish industrial group, to facilitate the transfer of Turkish and international expertise in the textile and garment industry while strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes through the development of training curricula, methodologies, and learning tools aligned with international standards and evolving labour market needs.
Taha Group brings extensive expertise in textile manufacturing, integrated production systems, and global supply chains. The Group is also associated with internationally recognized retail and apparel brands, including LC Waikiki, creating opportunities to leverage industry expertise in technical skills development, production management, quality assurance, and stronger linkages between vocational training and private sector employment.
Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate to exchange technical expertise and best practices, jointly develop competency-based training curricula, instructors' guides, and learning resources, and strengthen HAND's vocational training programmes through the provision of equipment, machinery, and technical resources required to deliver high-quality, hands-on training that reflects current industry practices.
The partnership also places particular emphasis on promoting equitable access to vocational training for persons with disabilities by supporting more accessible and inclusive learning environments, adapting training methodologies and learning materials to diverse needs, and enabling participants to acquire market-relevant technical competencies that enhance access to decent work, economic self-reliance, and social inclusion.
Commenting on the agreement, Saadettin Muvakit, Executive Director of HAND, described the partnership as an important step towards enhancing the quality and relevance of vocational education for Syria's textile sector and advancing the transition from conventional training approaches to industry-led, competency-based learning aligned with regional and international manufacturing standards.
«"The industrial expertise of Taha Group represents significant added value to our efforts to strengthen vocational education in Syria. Through this partnership, we will enhance training methodologies, modernize learning environments, improve instructional resources, and strengthen the capacities of both trainers and trainees in line with real production processes and labour market requirements," said Muvakit.»
He added: «"Our objective is to ensure that vocational training remains closely connected to the realities of industry and manufacturing rather than operating independently from them. By creating direct linkages between industrial expertise and vocational training centres, we aim to equip Syrian youth with practical, market-driven skills that contribute to revitalizing the textile sector, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, and supporting Syria's economic recovery."»
For his part, İsmail Hakkı Kısacık, Chief Executive Officer of Taha Group, noted that the agreement responds to the growing demand for skilled human capital during Syria's recovery and reconstruction process, particularly through strengthening technical capacities and facilitating the transfer of industrial expertise across productive sectors.
«"We see tremendous potential, determination, and ambition among Syrian youth. At Taha Group, we believe it is our responsibility to share our industrial knowledge, technical expertise, and decades of practical experience to help young people strengthen their professional competencies and access sustainable employment opportunities," said Kısacık.»
He continued: «"Supporting the Syrian people extends beyond providing immediate assistance. Sustainable recovery requires investment in people through knowledge transfer, skills development, and capacity strengthening that empower individuals to become economically self-reliant and actively contribute to rebuilding their country's economy. We are therefore committed to supporting vocational training initiatives with the expertise, equipment, and technical resources necessary to develop industry-responsive training models."»
Kısacık also reaffirmed the Group's commitment to expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities by promoting equitable access to vocational training and employment, thereby strengthening their economic participation and social inclusion.
Both parties affirmed that the agreement establishes a long-term framework for collaboration centred on knowledge transfer, practical skills development, and strengthening the technical and institutional capacities of vocational training centres. The partnership aims to prepare a skilled workforce capable of operating within modern industrial environments while responding to the evolving needs of Syria's textile and garment sector.
The agreement reflects a shared vision that recognizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key driver of economic recovery, resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. By investing in market-oriented skills development and strengthening links between vocational training and employment, the partnership seeks to expand opportunities for young people and other vulnerable groups while contributing to the recovery and long-term development of Syria's industrial and economic sectors.
