This past year, APWA supported and funded Leonard Education Organization (LEO), a woman run non-profit NGO. LEO facilitates the US college admission and matriculation of Palestinian youth.
A Heartfelt thank you!
I wish to offer American Palestinian Women’s Association (APWA) our appreciation for supporting Leonard Education Organization (LEO), whose main objective is to offer Palestinian youth an American college education that would improve their future prospects and help build the intelectual capital of the Palestinian people.
Right before the 2017 Spring Semester, APWA organized and held a fund raiser for the benefit of LEO at the home of an APWA member and founder. On that cold and cloudy Saturday afternoon, APWA members, supporters, and guests gathered around to enjoy a warm afternoon tea with LEO’s executive director Deya’ Leonard Dresner, along with local LEO students, board members, and donors.
The group listened attentively as our students recounted the process that LEO funds and requires each of its recipients to complete- which includes completing the usual; college applications and interviews, SAT and TOEFL Exams- and the unusual; travel permits to exit Palestine and prpare for their first plane trip away from home. They also shared their college campus experiences and spoke of the many challenges they faced and conquered here in the US and at home.
Soon after the spring semester began, we asked APWA to cover the cost of textbooks for our college students. And again APWA did not fail us. APWA supplied our students with their respective course textbooks, without which their education would have been compromised.
I urge you to read LEO Stories, which offers a glimpse of the amazing success these young Palestinians have accomplished in a span of a year- much credit belongs to APWA for making this possible.
Again, thank you to APWA and its members. Your support has allowed LEO to fulfill its mission- prepare, mentor, and secure the best college education for Palestinian youth.
Warmly,
Deya’ Leonard Dresner
Executive Director
Leonard Education Organization
Deya’ Leonard Dresner, is an American Palestinian woman. She is the founder and executive director of Leonard Education Organization ( LEO ), a non-profit NGO.