Education is not just a path to opportunity—it is a lifeline, a form of resistance, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The Seeds of a Watermelon Fund was established to ensure that the dreams of Gaza’s displaced students do not wither in the face of conflict.
In times of war and displacement, access to education is often one of the first casualties. Yet, it is also the key to rebuilding lives, communities, and futures. This global scholarship provides financial support to Gazan students who have been uprooted by war, enabling them to continue their studies at institutions around the world. By investing in their education, we are safeguarding a generation from being lost to the cycle of destruction and displacement.
The name Seeds of a Watermelon is a symbol of perseverance. Just as a watermelon, with its deep roots and vibrant fruit, has become a quiet emblem of Palestinian identity and endurance, this fund seeks to plant seeds of hope in the minds of those who have been forced to start over. Each scholarship awarded is more than financial aid—it is a commitment to the idea that knowledge can transcend borders, that opportunity should not be determined by circumstance, and that the right to learn is universal.
These students are the future educators, doctors, engineers, and leaders who will carry forward the hopes of their people. By supporting this fund, we ensure that their potential is not buried beneath the rubble, but instead given the soil to grow, flourish, and bear fruit for generations to come.
A single seed can grow into something powerful. With this fund, we plant the seeds of knowledge, resilience, and a future where no student is left behind.
Mission Statement:
The Seeds of a Watermelon Scholarship Fund is dedicated to empowering displaced and disadvantaged Gazan students to achieve their academic dreams and build brighter futures. By providing holistic financial support—including tuition, living expenses, and resources for personal and professional growth. With zero administrative costs (except transfer fees), every contribution directly transforms lives, fostering a generation of empowered leaders who will inspire and uplift their communities.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Be of Gazan origin and hold refugee or displaced status.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Show evidence of academic potential or achievement.
- Open to students pursuing any degree in any country, with preference given to those lacking other financial resources for higher education.
Selected candidates are expected to do the following:
- Send regular updates to donors, sharing their academic progress and personal stories.
- Be active participants in the LE.O Scholars Community, which will keep them connected with other supported students, help them network and find resources, and give them an opportunity to stay in touch with Omar Abuattieh.
If you meet the criteria and would like to be considered, please fill out the form
If you would like to donate to this fund you can do so by any of the options below:
- Sending a check payable to "Leonard Education Organization" with "The Seeds of a Watermelon Scholarship Fund" in the memo field, to this address (this option is preferred to miminize processing fees): PO Box 11283 NW, Washington DC 20008
- Paying by wire transfer (please click here for the wire transfer details)
- Paying using the donation form below (we accept all major credit/debit cards, venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH (for US))