Program · Training & Capability-Building
Trainer Development Program
Also referred to as Training of Trainers — ToT. SAIF is building a distributed network of qualified trainers across Syria and the Levant, so that AI, digital-skills, data, and other mission-relevant knowledge can reach far more people than SAIF could ever train directly.
At a glance
- Status
- In development; interest open
- Who
- Aspiring and experienced trainers, experts, educators
- Reach
- Inside or outside Syria; age 18+
- Format
- Remote, hybrid, or in person
Status
In development — accepting expressions of interest.
The program is in development, with scope, partners, and cohort dates varying by cohort. Submitting an expression of interest is not an admission, a cohort assignment, an offer of employment or payment, or a guaranteed opportunity.
Why this program exists
Syria and the Levant need a stronger, more distributed trainer network to convert scarce specialist knowledge into durable local capability. A small number of experts cannot directly train everyone who needs AI, digital, or data skills — but a well-prepared network of trainers can carry that knowledge into far more institutions, governorates, and communities than direct delivery ever could.
Different future cohorts may focus on AI, digital skills, data, technology, or other subjects relevant to SAIF's mission, depending on institutional needs and operating readiness.
Who should apply
The program welcomes a wide range of applicants, including:
- Aspiring trainers who want to develop training and facilitation skills.
- Developing trainers who already train or teach and want to strengthen their practice.
- Experienced trainers seeking stronger AI or digital capability.
- Subject-matter experts, researchers, and qualified professionals who want to learn effective training practice.
- Facilitators and educators working across formal or informal settings.
- Capable self-taught applicants with relevant subject knowledge.
Applicants may be inside or outside Syria, and of any nationality, where their contribution is relevant to SAIF's Syria- and Levant-rooted mission. Formal university enrolment is not required. Applicants under 18 are outside the current intake, unless SAIF later establishes a specifically supervised youth pathway.
Subject expertise is not the same as training ability
Knowing a subject well and being able to teach it effectively are different skills. The program is built around this distinction: some applicants arrive as strong subject-matter experts who need to develop training and facilitation practice, while others already train or teach and want to add AI or digital-skills depth. Review, preparation, and supervised practice are tailored accordingly.
How applicants are reviewed
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Step 1: Application
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Step 2: Initial review
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Step 3: Interview and/or practical assessment where relevant
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Step 4: Development plan and preparation
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Step 5: Training practice or supervised delivery
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Step 6: Observation and feedback
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Step 7: Completion review
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Step 8: Consideration for future cohorts or assignments
Exact stages may vary by cohort. Reaching one stage does not guarantee progression to the next, completion does not guarantee paid assignments, and supervised delivery depends on suitable opportunities and applicant readiness.
Commitment, format, and reach
Expected commitment varies by cohort and stage. Delivery may be remote, hybrid, or in person, and cohorts may work across multiple governorates and partner institutions rather than a single location. Weekly availability and travel ability are part of what SAIF reviews when matching applicants to a cohort.
What this program does and does not guarantee
Applying is free. Applying does not guarantee selection, cohort assignment, employment, payment, or future teaching work. Any stipend, travel support, equipment, or computing access is project- or cohort-specific and should not be assumed unless explicitly communicated.
Institutional collaboration
SAIF and the Syrian Computer Society (SCS) have signed a collaboration agreement. Training of Trainers is identified as a potential joint activity under that agreement, but no specific joint cohort or timetable is announced. This does not imply formal affiliation, guaranteed joint delivery, or automatic referral of applicants. Where consideration for a specific SCS-linked activity may occur, the application form asks for separate, optional, and clearly scoped consent to share relevant parts of an application — it is never a condition of general consideration for the Trainer Development Program.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Trainer Development Program guarantee selection, assignment, employment, or payment?
No. Applying is free and does not guarantee admission, cohort assignment, employment, payment, or future teaching work. Every stage is reviewed against current needs and fit, and reaching one stage does not guarantee progression to the next.
Do I need to already be an experienced trainer to apply?
No. The program welcomes aspiring trainers, developing trainers, and experienced trainers seeking stronger AI or digital capability, as well as subject-matter experts, facilitators, and educators who want to learn effective training practice. Subject expertise and the ability to train others are different skills, and the program is designed to build both.
Do I need to be based in Syria, or hold Syrian nationality?
No. Applicants may be inside or outside Syria and of any nationality where their contribution is relevant to SAIF’s Syria- and Levant-rooted mission. Formal university enrolment is not required.
Is there an age requirement?
Applicants under 18 are outside the current intake, unless SAIF later establishes a specifically supervised youth pathway.
Will I be paid, or receive travel or equipment support?
Applying is free. Any stipend, travel support, equipment, or computing access is project- or cohort-specific and should not be assumed unless explicitly communicated for a given cohort.
How does the Syrian Computer Society (SCS) fit into this program?
SAIF and the Syrian Computer Society have signed a collaboration agreement. Training of Trainers is identified as a potential joint activity under that agreement, but no specific joint cohort or timetable is announced. This does not imply formal affiliation, guaranteed joint delivery, or automatic referral. Where consideration for a specific activity linked to the Society may occur, SAIF asks for separate, optional, and clearly scoped consent — it is never a condition of general consideration for the program.
Ready to apply?
Expressions of interest are open. Applying is free and does not guarantee selection.