Young people who dare to dream: 14 years after the start of the Syrian Revolution
March 12 2025
5 minutes
On March 15, 2011, the streets of Syrie the voices of thousands of people demanding freedom, dignity and democracy. What began as peaceful protests against the violent and oppressive regime of former President Assad quickly grew into one of the most destructive conflicts of our time. For years, Syrians have faced unimaginable suffering - war, oppression and displacement. But their struggle for a just future and human rights has never stopped.
Today, fourteen years later, Syria is at a turning point. On December 8, 2024, the regime fell. A new chapter is dawning. The challenges are immense: rebuilding a country torn apart, providing justice for victims, and restoring democracy to a country so long deprived of it. And at the heart of that transformation are the youth—a generation that grew up in war but refuses to be defined by it.
Together with our partner organization Basmeh & Zeitooneh and twelve youth-led civil society organisations supports 11.11.11 young Syrians in finding their role in building the future Syria. With a shared project, we offer Syrian youth training in areas such as civic participation, security and policy influencing. In February, a first meeting took place where young leaders and civil society organisations from different backgrounds jointly set priorities and presented their vision to policymakers, including representatives from the EU and regional governments.
Nour, Mostafa and Shaima were also there. They tell here how they are actively helping to build the Syria of tomorrow.
Mostafa Kleib (29) from the occupied Golan Heights: “Real change does not happen by itself, we have to make it happen”
“December 8 was the day Syrians walked out of a cramped prison together.”
“Fear was part of our daily lives for many years. We inherited that fear from our parents - one that was deeply rooted in the oppression of the now fallen regime. We lived that fear every day: by avoiding military service, staying away from checkpoints, realizing that even a 'like' on a critical Facebook post could cost us our lives. And then suddenly that fear was gone. It felt like we were growing wings, after a lifetime without legs.”
“But the Fall of the Assad regime is just the beginning. Real change does not happen by itself. We have to make it happen ourselves. And the commitment of young people is so important in this. But they must be given the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, awareness and skills, so that they can truly take on their role."
"The trainings of Basmeh & Zeitooneh and 11.11.11 give us the tools to to contribute to a democratic Syria. I broaden my knowledge, increase my interest in social issues—especially those that affect young people—and I am encouraged to take an active role in society.”
“Meetings like this are so important. They unite young people from different backgrounds and religions, break down prejudices, and unite Syrians around a shared vision for the future. Together, we must raise our voices, take action, and ensure that the Syria we build is a country for all.”
Shaima Abed (24) from Raqqa: “Young people are the basis for the reconstruction of Syria”
“December 8 is a date that no Syrian will ever forget: the fall of the most oppressive and brutal regime that humanity has ever known. After more than 54 years of crimes and repression, it was almost unthinkable that this period would ever end. One of the most fundamental achievements is that we can speak freely again, without fear of arrest or torture, simply for expressing an opinion.”
“That is why it is so important for young people to participate in the Basmeh & Zeitooneh project and 11.11.11. Through various meetings and trainings, the voices of diverse groups in our society—especially the most marginalized—are amplified, and we get the chance to communicate our needs directly to policymakers. At the same time, we create a space for young people to enter into dialogue with each other and to believe in the idea that we, Regardless of our origins, we can bring about change together. "
"Young people are the foundation for the reconstruction of Syria. We have the knowledge, energy and skills to make a difference in every sector. But for that we need real opportunities—space to take initiative, supported by government and society."
"It is time to shake off our past of oppression and actively shape our future. It is our shared responsibility to rebuild our country—united, without hatred or division."
"Let us place our hope in the youth of today. Tomorrow will be better. One generation leads, the next builds."
Nour Ali (23) from Qamishli: “Syrian youth are capable of anything”
“For years we lived in fear. Now there is a strange sense of psychological relief, something we haven’t felt for a long time. At the same time, uncertainty remains: what comes next? How do we rebuild a country that was destroyed by dictatorship and war?”
"The trainings by Basmeh & Zeitooneh and 11.11.11 open for us a door to a new Syria, a Syria that lives up to our hopes and dreams that were once shattered. The first meeting in February was a milestone for me. For the first time, I was in a room with Syrians from all backgrounds: different sects, religious groups and geographic regions. I was also speaking in front of policymakers, something that would have been unthinkable a year ago. This experience has strengthened my confidence in what we can achieve.”
"Syrian youth are capable of anything. We see this in every country where Syrian refugees grow into role models and a source of inspiration. I believe that young people can play a key role in all domains: from technology, tourism and medicine to law and education.”
“But to really empower them, long-term support is needed. Our country needs to create job opportunities for young people with existing skills and give others opportunities to grow through experience. This requires cooperation between the government, civil society organizations and the international community.”
“The project of Basmeh & Zeitooneh and 11.11.11 is a good start. Here young people can make their voices heard, shape their dreams and building a Syria free from hate together, stereotypes and sectarian or ethnic discrimination.”
Support Syrian youth with a donation
Together with Basmeh & Zeitooneh supports 11.11.11 young Syrians to take their future into their own hands and help build a new Syria. Through training and meetings, they learn about education, work, safe self-expression and political participation. Your donation makes this possible.
