SPARK

📢 We’re looking for a Senior Business Development & Partnerships Manager!

If you’re passionate about building strong partnerships, identifying new opportunities, and driving sustainable impact, this role is for you.

Be part of SPARK’s mission to empower young people and entrepreneurs in challenging contexts.

👉 Apply now:
https://spark.ngo/vacancy/senior_business_development__partnerships_manager/

Eid al-Adha mubarak to everyone celebrating!

عيد مبارك! عسى أن يكون عيدكم مليئاً بالفرح والنجاح
والرخاء لكم ولكل من تحبون #سبارك

Eid Mubarak! May this special occasion bring joy, success, and prosperity to you and your loved ones.

This , we celebrate all women—the innovators, the caregivers, the leaders, and the changemakers. From driving data-driven impact to pioneering tech opportunities, rebuilding lives, and creating jobs through entrepreneurship, women everywhere are shaping the future and driving progress.

This , we think about women in conflict zones, women who, despite immense challenges, strive to rebuild their lives, support their families, and drive change in their communities. But they shouldn’t have to do it alone. The world must do more to protect and empower them, ensuring their safety, dignity, and fundamental rights. Their voices matter. Their impact is profound.

As Maya Angelou powerfully said:
"Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”

Stay tuned as we share their stories.

SPARK Wins Digital Prosperity Award for Ethical Digital Inclusion 🌟

We’re proud to announce that SPARK has won the Digital Prosperity Award in the Empowering Society – Ethics category for our Palestine Launchpad with Google programme, in partnership with Udacity! 🎉

Organised by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), this award recognises organisations that empower local communities by expanding access to technology and training, fostering job creation, and enhancing livelihoods.

💡 What this means for SPARK
This recognition highlights our commitment to bridging digital skill gaps and enhancing job security for underrepresented youth. Along with the award, SPARK received $200,000 USD, which will play a crucial role in advancing the Palestinian tech ecosystem. This funding will allow SPARK to broaden its impact, improve its services, and generate even more opportunities for young professionals to excel in the digital economy.

🎉 Congratulations to our partners Google, Udacity, and the incredible students who received this scholarship!

Additionally, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated team who made this possible, Raghad Mousa Ibrahim Banat Suzan Barghouti Dina Almasaeid as well as former SPARK colleagues Sarah Page and Ghazi Saher Kamal for their contributions.

Read more: https://lnkd.in/gtJfp-_8

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What a day to remember! ✨

Thank you, Damascus, for hosting us—it was truly inspiring to meet key representatives from different communities across Syria during the IGNITE Syria conference!

With more than 150 experts, entrepreneurs, partners, government representatives, professors, and private sector leaders, we came together under the theme "Rise and Rebuild" to discuss the next steps for Syria’s recovery and development. 🚀

As Christel Bultman, CEO of SPARK, highlighted:

"Since 2011, in cooperation with our Syrian and regional partners in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Iraq, we have been working to support Syrian refugees and displaced communities—providing them with decent job opportunities and the resources to pursue their education. SPARK has become one of the largest scholarship providers for Syrian refugees in the Middle East, awarding 25,000 scholarships, with 90% going to Syrians in host countries." 💡

Additionally, SPARK has empowered ambitious young Syrians to launch their own startups, allocating over $10 million in seed funding to help establish businesses. Through our Match Up approach, we’ve also connected 100,000+ individuals to meaningful employment opportunities, ensuring fair salaries, health insurance, and social security. 🎯

A huge thank you to our partners Qatar Fund for Development, Qatar Charity, Abdullah Al Nouri Charity Society, -al-ghurair-foundation-for-education, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Education Above All Foundation, European Union, and the Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken—as well as our implementing partners in Syria and across the MENA region for making this possible. 🙌

A more detailed report on early recovery steps from IGNITE Syria and other ongoing workshops across the country will be shared soon.

Stay tuned, and thank you again for your warm welcome! 💙

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Thank You, Syria!

Wow! The overwhelming interest in discussing Syria’s recovery and rebuilding has been incredible. We are officially at full capacity for IGNITE Syria—thank you for your enthusiasm!

On 15 February 2025, SPARK, in collaboration with JCI Damascus, Hermon Team, and ICC Syria, is bringing together 40+ organisations, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and academics in Damascus under the theme “Rise and Rebuild.”

This one-day conference will spotlight higher education, entrepreneurship, and employability as drivers of Syria’s recovery. Expect insightful discussions, impactful partnerships, and a roadmap for sustainable reconstruction.

🎤 Meet some of our speakers tomorrow!

🔗 Check the IGNITE Syria conference highlights and agenda here: https://lnkd.in/ez6Mhbec

🔗 Watch the live stream here: https://lnkd.in/ex2sNUGk

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Strengthening Palestinian Entrepreneurship: Riyada’s Learning Exchange in Cairo, Egypt 🇵🇸🇪🇬

Under the Riyada programme funded by the Arab Fund, a delegation of four Palestinian business support centers from higher education institutions embarked on a knowledge-exchange visit to Egypt’s top entrepreneurial hubs. The delegation, representing:
✅ Birzeit University- B-Hub
✅ Palestine Polytechnic University-
✅ An-Najah National University-
✅ Al-Quds University- BCITE

The Palestinian delegation explored best practices, innovative methodologies, and strategic partnerships with Egypt’s leading entrepreneurship centers at higher education institutions:
🔹 At Entrepreneurship for Social Impact Center at Heliopolis University, discussions focused on curriculum development, student engagement, and sustainable startup support.
🔹 At – Nile University, matchmaking between digital entrepreneurs and private sector companies took center stage, alongside a tour of the Design House.
🔹 At , the delegation explored the Lean Startup methodology and evidence-based entrepreneurship coaching.
🔹 At , the focus was on sharing expertise and potential regional collaboration with the Palestinian delegation.

Additionally, an advanced Capacity Building Training on Digital Transformation & AI for SMEs Sustainability was conducted in collaboration with .consultancy.group, equipping the delegation representatives with cutting-edge skills to drive digital innovation.

This exchange strengthens Palestinian business support centers with regional expertise, digital innovation strategies, and new collaboration opportunities—laying the groundwork for a tech-driven entrepreneurial landscape in Palestine. Special thanks to CEEBA - Confederation of Egyptian European Business Associations, for their efforts and collaboration in making this knowledge-exchange trip successful.

As Syria embarks on its journey towards recovery, the IGNITE Conference 2025 in Damascus will bring together key stakeholders—including entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, and industry leaders—to shape a roadmap for sustainable reconstruction.

With a strong focus on higher education, entrepreneurship, and employability, this pivotal event aims to address Syria’s pressing humanitarian and economic challenges by fostering collaboration, innovation, and long-term solutions.

🔹 Why to attend?
✅ Engage with influential decision-makers and thought leaders
✅ Contribute to shaping Syria’s future workforce and economy
✅ Explore opportunities for investment, education, and entrepreneurship

📅 15 February 2025 | 📍 Damascus, Syria

Seats are limited—secure your place today!
🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/eqWsTAiS || Link in bio

Be part of Syria’s journey to recover. Join us!
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Ceasefire agreement must pave the way for hope, justice, and meaningful Peace

“At long last, after more than 466 days of devastating conflict in Gaza, a ceasefire has been reached. While this agreement offers a much-needed reprieve, it comes far too late to prevent the immeasurable bloodshed and destruction that has already unfolded. We now stand at a critical moment—a historic opportunity to end the devastation and pave the way for lasting, sustainable peace for all those affected by this tragedy. 

SPARK and its partners are actively working on the ground, committed to rebuilding Gaza’s business ecosystem and supporting the recovery process.

Read the full statement by Simon van Melick, Chief Executive Officer of SPARK: https://lnkd.in/eFNjsFHe