Empowering Youth and Communities: GLOCA's Vision for 2024

Building Leadership and Capacity for a Better Tomorrow

Table of contents

  • Advancing Civil Society (GLOCA)

Advancing Civil Society (GLOCA)

who we are

GLOCA is a non-profit civil society organization officially registered in Syria with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (Registration No. 1368/2025). It is also registered in Turkey since 2022 (Reg. No. 27-028-048) and in Switzerland since 2024 (Reg. No. CHE-420.118.486). GLOCA’s headquarters are based in Aleppo, with operational branches in Azaz and Idlib, and access to all regions of Syria.

Leveraging technology and eco-friendly tools, GLOCA is committed to creating educational, professional, and academic opportunities, in addition to promoting leadership roles for youth and women in political and social initiatives. GLOCA is consistently dedicated to advocating for human rights in all interventions, particularly in conflict settings that often impose prolonged harsh circumstances, leading to isolation, frustration, and a loss of hope, especially among the youth.

GLOCA's Strategic Approach

Vision

We aspire to build a resilient democratic society that offers equal opportunities for all, strengthens youth leadership, and is guided by informed decision-making and accurate data.

Mission

We are committed to empowering civil society, with a focus on enabling young people to become leaders in building just and democratic communities—by supporting education, urban planning and development, encouraging civic engagement, and leveraging modern technology to achieve sustainable development and long-term positive impact.

Goals

Empower youth through education and leadership training. Promote democratic values and civic participation. Strengthen civil society. Provide inclusive education to prepare active citizens for Syria's future.

Values

Integrity, Collaboration, Empathy, Adaptability, Innovation, Inclusivity

Strategic Objectives

1

Empowering youth by developing their leadership and technical skills and enhancing their active participation in society to achieve sustainable development

2

Promoting the principles of good governance and strengthening the capacities of individuals and institutions to improve institutional performance and support digital transformation.

3

Building institutions capable of protecting individual rights, enhancing accountability, combating all forms of exploitation and violence, and empowering women and marginalized groups. The programme focuses on institutional reform and addressing issues of enforced disappearance and missing persons to ensure a just and inclusive society.

The main two pillars of GLOCA are the following programs

Technology and Leadership Initiative

Shabab PRO Program

Technology and Leadership Initiative

A virtual youth program designed to foster interaction, communication, and capacity-building among Syrian youth. It encompasses thousands of university students and graduates residing in Syria, aged 18 to 39. The program aims to enhance members' abilities in leadership, civic, and comprehensive technical fields, ultimately strengthening their role in community-building and laying the foundation for the future of Syria.

With the increasingly extreme exclusion of national and ethnic identities, the Shabab PRO program aims to provide a virtual homeland for Syrian youth in all conflict zones, combining knowledge, academic education, and communication (through cross-border networks and affiliations) to confront the exclusion and isolation of young people, strengthen peace and social cohesion, and contribute to building trust, understanding, idea exchange, and dialogue between different groups. It also addresses common challenges and creates a flexible environment that brings about permanent positive change and a more secure future.

What is Shabab PRO

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The Shabab PRO platform is powered by Microsoft Teams, a key application within Microsoft Office 365 provided to every Shabab PRO member. Microsoft Teams serves as a digital hub that brings together users, files, and data in one place. It facilitates real-time collaboration and communication, enabling seamless meetings, file and app sharing, and even fun interactions with emojis. The members are grouped into teams, and there are three main tracks.

Real-Time Collaboration

Work together on projects, share ideas, and collaborate on documents in real-time.

Communication

Engage in instant messaging, voice, and video calls to stay connected with team members.

Meetings and Schedualing

Schedule and join virtual meetings with ease, keeping everyone aligned and informed.

File and App Sharing

Share files and integrate various apps for a streamlined workflow.

Accessibility

Accessible to all members, ensuring that everyone can participate and contribute effectively.

Specialized Groups

Members are grouped into specialized teams based on three main tracks.

Three Training and Empowerment Tracks

1

Enhance Civic Participation of Youth Track

Focused on increasing youth involvement in civic activities and community leadership.

2

Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion Track

Aimed at fostering peace and strengthening social bonds within communities.

3

Technology and Entrepreneurship Training Track

Providing technical skills and career development opportunities to empower persons for the job market.

Facebook

Enhance Civic Participation of Youth Track

VASIM ALHAJ, the Executive Director of the Global Organization for Civil Society Advancement (GLOCA), stated: "Civic engagement builds an active society that takes responsibility in building the future of Syria." We recognize the importance of involving youth as important and influential members of society, capable of contributing their ideas, energy, and perspectives to address social challenges and shape a secure future for Syria.

Empowering Syrian Youth with Microsoft Office 365

3,419

Participants

University students and graduates aged 18-39 across 7 Syrian governorates

17

Applications

Teams, Excel, Word, OneDrive, OneNote, PowerPoint, Power App, Power Automate, Flow, Forms, Lists, Stream, Visio, SharePoint, Sway, Whiteboard, and Yammer

7

Geographical Reach

Participants from 7 different Syrian governorates

23%

Famale Participants

PowerBI Studies

Enhancing Digital and Political Skills for Syrian University Youth

This study identifies the digital and political skill needs of Syrian university youth. It provides Office 365 accounts and training to enhance their technical, communication, and leadership abilities, supporting a more empowered and resilient society.

Extensive Training and Webinars in 2023

160

Training and Webinars

Sessions conducted throughout 2023.

28,000

Total Attendees

Repeat participants benefited from these sessions.

52

Shabab PRO Volunteers

Including facilitators, moderators, designers, and technical experts.

Academic Expertise on Shabab PRO Platform

Academic experts from Syria and 14 other Arab countries have generously volunteered their time and expertise to provide free training on the Shabab PRO platform. In addition to delivering seminars that enhance civic participation and peacebuilding, such as "Effective Civic Engagement," "Youth Leadership in Political Processes," and "Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution," this diverse group of professionals also offers training in technology, job market skills, and self-development. Courses include "Digital Literacy and IT Skills," "Career Readiness and Job Market Integration," and "Personal Development and Leadership." These efforts significantly contribute to empowering and educating Syrian youth in various conflict zones within Syria.

100+

Academic Volunteers

Syrian and Arab Academics Volunteering for Free

Facebook

GLOCA on Facebook

Join our seminar: "World Volunteer Day - Impact on Society - Inspiring Stories" with experts like Dr. Dan Stonescu and Raed Al-Saleh.

Shabab PRO 2023 Achievements

46+ Facilitators and Session Managers

Trained youth to manage sessions and dialogues.

350+ Gained Employment

Reported gaining job opportunities after increasing their expertise.

125+ Improved Work Conditions

Said they increased their skills in the workplace.

15+ Community Initiatives

Participated in youth-led community initiatives.

Initiatives

Shabab PRO Members' Earthquake Relief Initiative

In response to the earthquake, Shabab PRO members launched a relief initiative, utilizing data from 78 camps across northern Syria. They provided essential services including medical support, private bathrooms, and distributed necessary supplies such as heating devices, hygiene kits, and blankets, ensuring immediate aid to affected families.

Voices of Change

Aisha, Shabab PRO Graduate

"The program equipped me with the skills and confidence to start my own business."

Omar, Shabab PRO Mentor

"Seeing the transformation in these young leaders is truly inspiring."

Fatima, Community Leader

"Shabab PRO have empowered our youth to drive positive change."

Facebook/ Listen Youth Voices

What has #Shabab_Pro added to me

Participant #Debo_Falaha telling us

Governance and Capacity Building Program

Our Governance and Capacity Building Program is designed to enhance the capabilities of civil society organizations within Syria. By providing business and education tools, staff capacity building, and mentorship, we ensure these organizations are equipped to operate effectively and sustainably. The program focuses on localizing efforts, empowering Syrian talents to lead initiatives, and fostering a culture of governance and policies. Utilizing Microsoft Office 365, we facilitate comprehensive training sessions and provide ongoing support to ensure continuous improvement. This innovative approach helps create resilient institutions that can drive positive change and development in their communities.

Organizational Capacity Assessment

Innovative Entity Staff Training Methodology

Technical Mentorship and Coaching

Leadership and Analysis Dashboard

Organizational Capacity Assessment

1

Leadership Capacity

Vision/Mission, Governance, Strategy/Plannning, Culutre Values.

2

Management & Operations Capacity

Financial Management, Human Resources IT & infrastructure.

3

Community Engagement Capacity

Fund Development Communications, Advocacy Volunteer Management, Community Partnerships& Gender Perspective.

4

Service Capacity

Program Design, Program Implementation, Performance Management.

5

Evaluative Capacity

Evaluation and assessment of operational planning, data collection tools and methodologies, MEAL approaches, and learning and continuous improvement systems.

Innovative Entity Staff Training Methodology

GLOCA's approach to enhancing digital literacy and skills among trainees using Office 365.

1

Distribution of Office 365 Accounts

Provided of Office 365 accounts to trainees, ensuring access to essential tools.

2

Office 365 Basics Training

Conducted comprehensive training sessions on the fundamentals of Office 365.

3

Physical and Virtual Trainings

Delivered both in-person and online training sessions through GLOCA platform.

Technical Mentorship and Coaching

GLOCA's structured approach for mentorship and coaching to support professional and organisational development.

Training, Mentorship and Coaching Sessions with Coaches

Regular sessions to provide guidance and support.

Sharing Training Output Files with Experts

Experts review and provide feedback on training outputs.

Interaction and Discussions on Microsoft Teams

Facilitating continuous learning through interactive discussions.

Private Support Sessions with Specialists via Microsoft Booking

Personalized support sessions for in-depth assistance

Leadership and Analysis Dashboard

Utilizing Power BI for comprehensive project tracking and analysis

Project Progress Monitoring

Follow the status and outcomes of training, mentorship, and sessions.

Participant Analysis

Analyze participant data, including demographics, engagement levels and progress, for improvement.

Donor Dashboard Access

The dashboard is shared with donors for transparency and real-time progress tracking.

Transparency, Gender Diversity, and Localizing Services

High Transparency

Donors can track activities by accessing session output files, surveys, and tests directly through the platform.

Gender Diversity Initiatives

GLOCA adopts specific policies to ensure inclusiveness of gender and people with disabilities (PWDs). This includes promoting gender balance and PWD participation in employment and training programs, and incorporating gender and disability considerations into training methodologies.

Localizing Services

GLOCA implements all its programs and interventions with Syrian hands and minds for Syrians in all parts of Syria and the diaspora. The processes are entirely managed by Syrians to perfectly fit the context and meet the needs.

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Beyond Our Prgrams: GLOCA's Diverse Activities

Youth Engagement

GLOCA organizes youth forums to encourage active participation and dialogue among young Syrians, providing a platform to voice opinions and share experiences.

Human Rights Advocacy

GLOCA hosts sessions and briefings with civil society to raise awareness on human rights issues and advocate for their protection in Syria.

Youth Initiatives

Spark community development and empower youth to lead the way with our innovative initiatives, tackling local challenges and creating positive change.

Youth Dialogues

GLOCA holds seminars that encourage youth to engage in meaningful discussions on pressing issues, fostering a spirit of open dialogue and collaboration.

Leadership Development

These seminars aim to nurture the leadership skills of young participants, empowering them to become proactive problem-solvers in their communities.

Finding Solutions

By engaging in discussions and collaborative activities, youth are encouraged to identify and develop solutions to the challenges faced by their communities.

The Unique Added Value of GLOCA

Innovative Utilisation of Microsoft Tools

For the first time in Syria, GLOCA distributes Microsoft tools and other technologies to university students and graduates residing in conflict zones, empowering them with essential digital skills.

Automated Project Management

GLOCA implements an automated information system to manage the majority of project activities, enabling real-time tracking, data analysis, and informed decision-making throughout the execution phases.

High data reliability

Since everything is automated and operated via the MS 365 applications, and given the real-time data synchronization, the data and reports of GLOCA enjoy special reliability because data is verified through many filters of the reliable tools of MS 365.

Partnerships

Partners in Success

Our success is built on strong partnerships with organizations that share our vision and commitment. These partners play a crucial role in helping us implement our programs and achieve our goals.

Impactful Collaborations

We are proud to have implemented impactful projects for various esteemed organizations. These collaborations have led to significant and sustainable outcomes, empowering communities and fostering positive change.

2024 Plan

300

Expand Shabab PRO Program

Integrate 300 persons from various conflict zones into Shabab PRO program, providing them with essential skills and opportunities.

80

Empower Human Rights Advocates

Enable 80 youth to become advocates for human rights, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to champion these principles in their communities

20

Building Organizational Capacities

Enhancing the capabilities of 20 entities within Syria, providing comprehensive training and support to strengthen their operations and impact.

October

November

December

Recruitment Drive

Selection and Enrollment

Training Workshops

Mentorship Program

Capacity Assessment

Training and Support

Our Board Members

Our esteemed GLOCA board members bring a wealth of expertise and diverse backgrounds to guide our mission. Led by experienced chairperson Dr. Tawfiq Chamaa, the board includes advocates for community empowerment, communication specialists, and visionary leaders driving GLOCA's strategic initiatives.

Dr. Tawfiq Chamaa

Chairman - Swiss

Experienced leader in civil society and humanitarian initiatives.

Dr. Imad Kassas

Vice Chairman - Romania

Advocate for community empowerment and development

Dr.Nahed GHAZOUL

Board - Director of Fundraising - France

Expertise in fundraising, donor relations, and securing funds.

Dr. Salah Wanli

Board Member - Germany

Specialist in building strategic partnerships and community relations.

Wasim Al Haj

Chief Executive Officer - Syria

Visionary leader driving GLOCA's mission and strategic initiatives.

Soubhi Bazerji

General Secretary - Swiss

Legal expert with a focus on governance and organizational compliance.

Join Us in Making a Difference

1

Donate

Support our community empowerment programs

2

Volunteer

Lend your skills and expertise

3

Partner

Collaborate with us to amplify our impact

05:54

YouTube

Brussels VI Conference on “Supporting the future of Syria and the region”

Our participation in #Brussels VI #Conference on “Supporting the future of #Syria and the region” in 9th May 2022 #GLOCA

Stay Connected with GLOCA

Get in touch with us through various channels to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.

Contact Information

Phone: +963 21 2 630 630

Main Address: Aleppo - Syria

Address 2: Müchhitler Mahç 52059 Nolu / Gaziantep - Turkey

Address 3: 8 Chemin de Bedex 1226 Thonex-Geneve

Follow Us on Social Media

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GLOCA المنظمة العالمية للنهوض بالمجتمع المدني | Gaziantep

‎GLOCA المنظمة العالمية للنهوض بالمجتمع المدني‎, Gaziantep. 2,754 likes · 7 talking about this. ‎منظمة مجتمع مدني غير ربحية تعمل على دعم أدوار المجتمع المدني السوري على أساس العدالة والحريات والحقوق‎

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