Dear  Udemy & Coursera Team,

I am writing to you with a sincere appeal on behalf of the numerous Syrians keen to learn and develop, particularly as our nation commences its recovery following more than fourteen years of conflict.

Education has always been a core part of our culture, and Syrians are known for their dedication to education and personal development. Since the beginning of the past decade, Syrians abroad have contributed significantly to the economy and society of host countries. They proved to be hardworking, creative, and resilient people—things that identify us even in the most difficult times.

Regrettably, the education system in Syria has continuously suffered and struggled through the nearly half-century Assad regime. It has maintained curricula dating back some 40 years, suppressed many good teachers, PhDs, and students, and left our universities and institutions in very dire need of reform just to reach international standards. Rebuilding and modernizing our academic systems will take several years, a timeframe that many Syrians can ill afford if they hope to have any chance to compete in today's rapidly changing world.

This only heightens the need for access to platforms like yours for Syrians at this juncture. I respectfully urge you to reconsider the restrictions on users in Syria and allow them to access your courses.

Moreover, I respectfully request that you consider offering free access to your courses for people from Syria. This would save precious time and provide many people with the updated knowledge and skills needed to rebuild their lives, their communities, and our country. Areas like technology, health, education, and entrepreneurship are especially important to advance this recovery.

Supporting Syrian students would send a strong message of hope and unity. This program would allow people to create a brighter future and show the world that education can change lives no matter what the current situation may be.

Thank you sincerely for taking the time to review this. I would be more than happy to discuss this further or help in any possible way to make this project a reality.

Tawfek Daghistani