Platform “A New Beginning for Syria” Getting involved
Networking portal
Do you want to exchange ideas on the new beginning in Syria with like-minded actors or experts? Are you looking for support for an idea or project? Do you want to share your expertise to support the new beginning in Syria? Do you want to organise, or participate in, workshops and other events?
Then register for our networking portal. We will put you in touch with potential partners. We are constantly updating and adding content to the platform.
TAKAMUL Fund
The BMZ supports the TAKAMUL Fund, which provides assistance for projects run by Syria's civil society.
The Fund has issued an open call for project proposals. It supports a broad range of projects, from basic services at the community level all the way to activities that strengthen civil society and build its capacity.
Project proposals must be submitted by 31 March 2025. For more information, send an e-mail message to TAKAMUL@giz.de (External link).
Funding for private organisations
The Advice Centre for non-governmental organisations (bengo) provides advice and support on behalf of the BMZ. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), groups and initiatives that are active in the field of development and plan projects together with partner NGOs in developing countries can turn to bengo if the amount of funding they apply for exceeds 50,000 euros. Please note that the website with more detailed information is only available in German.
Organisations requesting support for the first time or asking for smaller amounts of up to 50,000 euros should turn to the Schmitz Foundation and the Stiftung Nord-Süd-Brücken (North-South Bridges Foundation). For further information, visit www.kleinprojektefonds.de (External link) (in German).
Volunteer help desk (Mitmachzentrale) at Engagement Global
The advisory services team at Engagement Global (External link) offers individual advice on how to get involved in ongoing civil society initiatives and on ways to support people in Syria.
The team can be contacted on working days using the freephone number 0800 188 7 188 (within Germany) or by e-mail: info@engagement-global.de (External link).
Senior Expert Service (SES)
The Senior Expert Service (SES), which receives funding from the BMZ, relies on technical and managerial staff who are retired or taking some time off from work. They do volunteer work in developing countries and emerging economies, where they share their knowledge and experience.
The SES was active in Syria up to 2011. Among other things, it worked with Syrian companies in the manufacturing sector, but it also supported public infrastructure projects. At present, the SES is reviewing options for resuming the deployment of volunteers. Syrian skilled and managerial workers who are now living abroad can also apply to volunteer.
Hospital partnerships
The BMZ-funded hospital partnerships programme is now being expanded through new partnerships between Germany and Syria. Doctors from Germany can visit Syria to conduct medical training courses or to train their Syrian colleagues in using new equipment.
And Syrian doctors can come to Germany for training on both medical and organisational issues.
As at: 12/02/2025