A Landmark National Educational Event: Midmak International Academy and the American Board – Syria Celebrate the Graduation of Their First Cohort
In a pivotal milestone in the development of accredited professional education in Syria, Midmak International Academy, in cooperation with the American Board – Syria Branch, celebrated the graduation of their first cohort of students on December 28, 2025, at Sheraton Hotel – Seville Hall, in the presence of a wide academic and official audience.
This event is considered the first of its kind, representing a joint graduation that embodies a practical model of integration between a nationally rooted training institution with international reach and an American accreditation body. It marks a qualitative shift in the concept of professional education and its direct linkage to labor market needs and international accreditation.
A Unifying Leadership Address
Dr. Dima Aziz Barakat delivered the opening address in her capacity as Chief Executive Officer of Midmak International Academy and President of the American Board – Syria Branch, emphasizing that this graduation is not merely a celebration marking the end of an academic phase, but rather a declaration of the launch of real professional pathways grounded in competence, accreditation, and responsibility. These pathways open the doors of continuous education to all those seeking high-quality professional qualification in accordance with clear international standards.
She stressed that, within the philosophy of Midmak and the American Board, a certificate is a tool of empowerment and a gateway to employment, not a symbolic end in itself, and that true investment lies in building and qualifying individuals to become active contributors to their society and economy.
High-Level Academic and Official Attendance
The ceremony was attended by members of the Scientific Council of Midmak International Academy and members of the Scientific Council of the American Board – Syria, alongside a distinguished group of academic and official figures. Among them were the President of Al-Sham Private University, Dr. Abdul Munem Abdul Hafez, and a representative of the Board of Directors of Al-Jazeera Private University, Mr. Matloub Al-Shammari, in addition to representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as well as several governmental and private-sector entities.
Graduation, Accreditation, and Recognition
The event included the official graduation of students, the accreditation of a group of trainers, and the honoring of several entities that have supported the journey of Midmak International Academy—most notably the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and Higher Education and Scientific Research—in recognition of their role in supporting institutional professional education and training.
A Strategic Agreement and a Pioneering National Initiative
In a step of national and developmental significance, the ceremony witnessed the announcement of the signing of a cooperation agreement with Al-Ibdaa Microfinance Bank, aimed at supporting and promoting continuous education, as well as the launch of the “Khotwa” (Step) initiative for affordable educational loans. This initiative enables learners to access accredited professional programs through flexible financing mechanisms, representing an unprecedented model in Syria that links education with economic empowerment.
Representatives of Al-Ibdaa Microfinance Bank attended the ceremony, reaffirming the effective partnership between educational institutions and the financial sector in serving human development.
The Message of the Event
This graduation confirms that Midmak International Academy and the American Board – Syria are moving steadily toward establishing a new professional model that places quality, accreditation, and responsibility at the core of education, and positions the learner at the heart of a national project for capacity building and impact creation.